So you have been through all the interviews- the group interviews, the behavioral interviews, the dreaded one-on-one lunch interview.  You've been called back 3 times AND you have even negotiated (GULP) an employment offer you love.

You are ready to say yes.

But should you?  Did you really THINK IT THROUGH?

There is one thing I find many job seekers overlook when interviewing and selecting the right company for them.  People focus on the job and ask intuitive questions like "what does success look like in 6 months or 1 year".  They ask about the culture.  They even ask why the last person left or why the position is vacant.

But few people think about - and even fewer ASK - what the 2nd or 3rd job at this same company looks like.  They only focus on the job the company wants them to do NOW.

What do I mean?

I mean, what happens in 2 or 3 years when you are ready to go to THE NEXT LEVEL.  What is that?  What does it look like?  Does someone need to die or quit for you to get a promotion or is there an actual career path for you?

If you want to REALLY confirm whether a company is the right one for you, then make sure you know whether this is a place you can work at for 7 or 8 years in various roles that will add to your skillset and progress your career.

If you aren't sure how to do that - ask.  

1.  Ask the interviewer how his/her career has progressed at the company and what he/she wants to do next

2.  If this position is vacation, find out if the person received a promotion and that is why there is an opening

3.  Let them know you want to make a career at this company and have a long-term relationship.  This isn't a one night stand.  So ask about the different ways people are developed in the firm.

The trap I see so many job seekers fall into is that they find a job they love and a culture they like but then realize that after a few years there is no place for them to go.  And, Oh the Places You Will Go if you only you ask before you say yes.