Dr. Al's Dead End Checkist

I read a great article on when to turn down a job offer. I thought I would break this down a bit for the Post Academic (or soon to be), especially this one: When It's a Dead-End, Not a Detour. I am not going to say that the academy is a dead end in and of itself, but if you are in a dark place in your decision making process, if you are feeling like you were duped into a career with few options, if you feel that the degree and complementary publishing/presenting/teaching you have done have left you with nothing but temporary options, you may see some connection.

Regardless, as you begin looking for the next phase of your career life, you will find many options available to you. Since this may be your first job outside of the academy (or the first on in a long while), selecting the right one is important. The last thing you want is another job that ends up a dead end. 

According to Life Hacker and HR Bartender, there are tell-tale signs that you are heading into something (or already in one) that will start and stop with a single job, some of which I agree with and some I don't. So here is Dr. Al's Dead-End Checklist:

• People have been in the same job for a long time: if no one currently working there has been promoted in the last few years, the chances of you being able to move up are pretty small. How to find out: ask your interviewers to share their history with the company during the interview. It's a great tactic to learn more about the culture, as well as the people you may be working with.
• Everyone you interview with is new: start-ups aside, low-tenure at a company can show that there isn't much stability. Furthermore, if they are interviewing outside the company, they aren't demonstrating a commitment to promoting from within. While this is great for you now, it will be very frustrating when you want to move on to the next role. How to find out: chances are high that your interviewer will let this out during your questions. If they do, ask what happened to their predecessors, as well as the person who had the role you are interviewing for.
• The job adds nothing new: there are many reasons to take lateral positions that aren't a move up in your career. Learning a new industry, expanding your skills, joining a company with a solid culture fit or that supports a mission you are passionate about are all great reasons to take a detour. But if the new job gives you nothing new, I say you should pass if you can. How to find out: you should know why you would be interested in the role when you apply since it will most likely be a question during your initial interview. Be honest with yourself about the value the new role can bring, even if it is small.
• You already think you should have your boss' job (& she has no plans to leave): if you are already eyeing your future boss' office, you are entering a dangerous path. Unless you can easily keep your ego in check, it can be very frustrating for you and your boss if you find yourself more interested in their work than your own. Worse yet, your boss could end up threatened by you and make coming to work very painful, let alone moving up. How to find out: It is ok to ask about growth potential for a position but not until later in the interview process. Ask your potential boss about his or her style and how they help groom their team for future roles. This will give you great insight into what your days could look like in the position and help you decide if it's worth the temporary detour.
• You think you are over qualified for the job: if you feel like the work is beneath you and will not allow you to use your skills fully, run. Even if there is growth potential in the company, if it isn't growing in a direction of interest or passion, it won't be enough. How to find out: learn as much as you can about the job and the work you will be doing. Don't sugarcoat the work; you will be spending 40+ hours a week doing it, so you need to be honest with yourself about what you will enjoy. 

As someone leaving academia, you may be desperate to get a job, no matter what it is. But getting a good first job is going to be important for more than just your career. You need a spot to heal, to rebuild confidence in yourself and allow room to grow and flourish. Find a place where you can learn and be challenged while you take on this new chapter.