Evaluate the Job and Organization
A Checklist To Consider these Factors
Whether you are planning to go to the SFU career fair or found an opportunity, you may want to consider the job and organization carefully.
Find out below by revealing each factor in this section to see how many questions you can answer and act as a start to evaluating your organization!
Benefits – Culture – Expectations
- Consider these questions:
- Will you receive any benefits, such as health or dental coverage?
- Will you get paid vacation? How much and when?
- How are statutory days implemented/applied? Are these paid stat days?
- Will you work in a team or independent environment?
- How many people are on the team?
- How does the organization apply its mission, vission, values in their operations?
- Does the company participate in any initiatives? Examples: EDI (Equity, Diversity, Inclusive) or UN SDGs (United Nations Sustainability Goals)
- What would be the regular duties and responsibilities involved in the role? Are these clearly defined?
- What does the employer expect you to know?
- Will training be provided? Is the training paid or unpaid?
Hours of Work – Upfront Costs – Wages
- Consider these questions:
- What will your day-to-day regular responsibilities?
- Are there any upfront costs associated with position, such as equipement, clothing, or specific products you must have before starting?
- Will you or the employer cover the costs of additional training/development?
- How much will you be paid for your work? Is the payment process clear?
- Will you be paid an hourly wage, salary, and/or commission?
- How will overtime hours be handled?
- What will your day-to-day regular responsibilities?
Location - Organization
- Consider these questions:
- Where would you be working?
- Remote or onsite arrangements?
- If your work requires multiple locations, how will you travel? Cost coverage and hour count for travel between?
- Who? What? When are they established?
- Are they for profit, public, or not-for-profit?
- What does the organization or department produce or provide?
- What is their philosophy, mission, values? Any religious, political or other affiliations?
Helpful Resources:
- Hours of Work and Contracts: Visit Employment Laws and Standards outlined by Government of British Columbia here.
- Wage: Employees and Contractors - Learn the difference and various definitions that could affect pay, exceptions, etc. here
- Direct Sales: Some organizations use direct sales to sell products and services. Some may fall under the multi-level marketing model that is a legal business model, but pyramid schemes is a criminal offense in Canada. Learn more here.
- Pyramid schemes profit from recruiting others than sale of product and services.
- Pyramid schemes profit from recruiting others than sale of product and services.
Additional Reminders:
- Consider:
- Anything too good to be true or requires unclear, upfront "capital" money or purchases: Exercise awareness!
- When possible, avoid revealing personal information (driver’s license number, SIN Social Insurance Number, Banking Information etc.) before accepting offer.
- Trust your instincts and have someone else help offer other perspectives on your concerns to consider.
- Exercise caution with links and attachments.
- Book an appointment with SFU Career & Volunteer Services (for students, free!) for interview prep, tips and help.
Check out the section below for more information.