26 January 2007

Assess That Position

Monster has some good stuff sometimes. Their emails arrive in my inbox regularly and every now and then something good pops up. Here are some excerpts from "Know When to Take the Assignment," which is officially about considering temporary assignments:
It's critical to your professional identity and your career that you not allow yourself to fall for mediocre clients and mediocre projects.
You have to strive for impact.
Assignments should either give you experience with new skills, help solidify your expertise and focus on a particular discipline or fill in gaps where you know you don't have enough experience.

Ask questions such as:
  • What qualities do the most successful employees in your company possess?
  • How does the team I'll be working with handle conflict or differing opinions?
  • How does the company recognize employee accomplishments?
  • What is the management style of the person I'll be reporting to?
  • Describe the personalities and styles of the company leaders.
  • What are the company's values?
  • Which philanthropic charities does the company support?

Good advice for any position, not just a temp or contracting assignment.

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