Imagine arriving in a new country looking for work and being offered a job. There's just one catch: the employer expects you to work longer hours than you're willing to accept. Back in 1840 this was the situation facing Samuel Parnell, a carpenter who had recently arrived in New Zealand.
When a shipping agent asked him to build a warehouse Parnell agreed on one condition: he would work an eight-hour day, not longer. His reasoning was simple. There were 24 hours in a day: eight for work, eight for sleep and eight for everything else that makes up a life. Rather than accepting whatever conditions were offered Parnell stood by his position. Other workers began supporting the idea and over time the eight-hour working day became an important part of New Zealand's working history.
More than a century later we celebrate Labour Day in recognition of the efforts that helped establish this tradition. But what can a carpenter from 1840 teach us about looking for work today? Quite a lot, actually.
When you're searching for a job it's easy to focus on getting an offer. You might worry that asking too many questions will make you seem difficult or that negotiating your terms will cost you the opportunity. But accepting a job without fully understanding what it involves can leave you with surprises you could have avoided.
Before accepting your next offer take the time to ask a few important questions:
1. What does a typical working week look like?
Ask about ordinary hours, overtime, shift patterns and any flexibility you might need.
2. What are the expectations beyond the job description?
Find out what the role involves day to day including any additional responsibilities or travel.
3. Can we clarify the details in writing?
Make sure you understand the agreed pay, hours, start date and other employment conditions before you commit.
Asking questions doesn't make you a difficult candidate. It helps both you and the employer understand whether the opportunity is the right fit. Of course not every role offers the same flexibility and some jobs have essential requirements that can't be negotiated. The important thing is knowing what you're agreeing to before you accept.
This Labour Day we were reminded that the working conditions we value today have a history. While you might not be changing the course of employment history with your next job offer you can take a little more care in deciding what you say yes to.
Sometimes finding the right job starts with knowing which questions to ask.
