It's estimated that over Black Friday and Cyber Monday we’ll spend billions of pounds on new gadgets and gizmos. And just like when you're hunting around for your next role, there are pitfalls to look out for and ways of making sure you get the best deal for you. You need to make sure you're not being led astray, or into a commitment you don't want to make. You don't want anyone to take you for a ride with false advertising or promises that don't hold true. So how can you make sure that you choose the right deal? Read on to see what we can learn about finding and applying for new roles based on what we know about Black Friday!
1) Do your research
If you're going to invest money in a Black Friday deal, you need to make sure that you know the product you're going for is reputable, and not a cheap alternative. It's the same when you're applying for a job. Research the organisation, their values and any press stories about them. You'll get a good idea if they're the right fit for you, or if it's worth holding out for something better.
2) Don't panic buy
We've all done it. Seen that one deal that just seems too good to be true and purchased immediately; even if we didn't need it! It's the same for jobs. It's all too easy if you want to leave your current role to jump into the first job that comes along. You need to be aware that if you do this without researching it properly, you could end up in a job that makes you just as unhappy as your first. Trust us it's better to wait for the right deal!
3) See the price, not the discount
When you see 80% off, it's easy to think that the deal is a no-brainer and that you'd be silly not to go ahead. Sometimes job offers are the same. If you see a salary that's significantly over and above what you're earning, or an array of benefits that seem too good to be true there's a chance that they are. Check review sites such as Glassdoor and indeed to see what their staff say about working there.
4) Prioritise your needs
You're best off going into Black Friday with a clear view of all the items you'd like to buy. You need to know what is the most important item to you to make sure you leave enough budget to buy it. It's the same with hunting for a job - you need to know what the most important elements are for you. Is flexibility the most important thing for you, or is it your salary? Do you care more about an organisation’s values or about having some responsibility in your role? You may have to compromise on some things so it's key to understand what your highest priorities are.
