A PHAT Check for Career Decisions
January often brings a flurry of activity in the job market. Whether you’re a candidate stepping into interviews or a hiring manager making decisions, it’s a season brimming with possibility. But with possibility comes pressure.
How do you know when to say yes? When should you pause? And what if the answer is simply “not now”?
As someone who has spent years navigating the transformative ‘in-between’ moments, I’ve learned that intuition is a powerful guide. And intuition works best when paired with thoughtful reflection.
Enter the PHAT Check—a four-part checklist designed to help both candidates and hiring managers approach decisions with clarity and confidence.
Here’s how you can apply the PHAT Check:
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P: Position
For Candidates: Does this role align with your current goals and your long-term vision? Think beyond the job title. Consider the responsibilities, the growth opportunities, and even the commute or remote work policy. Ask yourself: *Is this the right position for who I am now and who I’m becoming?*
For Hiring Managers: Does this candidate align with the position you’re filling? Look past their resume. Are they a fit for the team culture? Will they bring a fresh perspective? Reflect on this: *Am I hiring for the role I need filled now or for the potential this person brings?*
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H: Hard Facts
For Candidates: What are the non-negotiables? Salary, benefits, work-life balance—be clear about your needs. Remember, clarity is kind. If the numbers don’t add up or the terms feel off, trust that. Ask yourself: *Do the hard facts match my value and vision?*
For Hiring Managers: Review the candidate’s credentials and experience. Do they check the technical and professional boxes for the role? But don’t stop there. Consider: *Are the hard facts a solid foundation, or am I missing something deeper?*
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A: Articulate
For Candidates: Can you clearly articulate why this role is a fit for you? And—equally important—can you voice any hesitations you have? Sometimes, saying your doubts out loud is the first step to uncovering the answer.
For Hiring Managers: Are you articulating the expectations and opportunities of the role with precision? The best candidates are discerning, and transparency is key. Ask yourself: *Have I painted an honest picture of this position?*
T: Transform
For Candidates: Does this opportunity feel transformative? Does it excite you or scare you in the best possible way? Or does it feel like a lateral move you’re settling for? Transformation requires growth, and growth requires alignment.
For Hiring Managers: Will this candidate help transform your team or company in meaningful ways? Look for the spark. Consider: *Am I choosing the safe option, or the one with the potential to create something extraordinary?*
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The Intuition Factor
Here’s the thing about intuition: it’s not always loud. Sometimes it whispers. If something doesn’t sit right—even if you can’t immediately articulate why—give yourself permission to pause. As the saying goes, "when in doubt, don’t."
The PHAT Check isn’t about finding perfection; it’s about finding alignment. It’s about giving yourself the tools to make decisions that honour your values, your vision, and your worth.
So, whether you’re a candidate considering an offer or a hiring manager preparing to extend one, let the PHAT Check be your guide. Pause with purpose, and trust that clarity will come.
And If in Doubt - Don't !
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