Slow down! Don’t just take the job offer – do your due diligence

In the dynamic world of corporate communications, making a smart career move isn’t just about nailing the interview or having the perfect CV. It's about doing your homework – deeply and diligently – before you even consider saying yes to a new role.

We’re dealing with an industry where perception is everything, and that starts with your own professional decisions. A bad fit can cost you time, momentum, and credibility. So how do you make sure you're making the right move? Whether you're an Account Director in an agency or a Director of Communications in-house, here’s a guide to help you assess your next opportunity with clear eyes and confidence.

Tap into your network (but don’t drown in it)

Corporate comms thrives on relationships, so use your network. Ask trusted contacts for their insights on the company, culture, leadership, and reputation. Have they worked there? Partnered with them? Interviewed and run away?

Remember though: perspective is personal. Someone’s horror story could have been a one-off, or maybe a specific team dynamic skewed their experience. Gather multiple views and look for consistent themes. Also, be mindful of balance – one candidate we know consulted 10 people and ended up more confused than when she started. Treat opinions like data points, not gospel.

Do your own research – and go beyond the ‘About Us’ page

A sleek website and shiny LinkedIn page tell only part of the story. Dive deeper. Start with:

• Company history and leadership changes – look beyond the ‘About Us’ section. Who’s in charge, how long have they been there, and what does their track record say about stability and strategy? In corporate comms, leadership style can directly impact how comms is valued, structured and funded.
• Stated values versus perceived values – what are employees actually saying on Glassdoor or Fishbowl? Are the stated values embedded in the culture, or just framed on the office wall?
• Financial health – especially important if you're considering a scale-up or independent agency. Use Companies House to assess profitability, cash flow, and growth patterns. A role that sounds exciting on paper can feel very different if the company is under financial strain.
• Legal or reputational risks – have they been in the press lately? For the right reasons? You know exactly how to research a company. Google their name alongside terms like “lawsuit,” “PR crisis,” or “whistleblower.” You’re about to become a guardian of their reputation so know what legacy you’re inheriting. You want to make sure you’re joining a business with a stable enough platform for you to thrive.

Clarify the role – not just the title

A ‘Comms Director’ in one firm could be leading global crisis strategy; in another, they might be writing internal newsletters. Titles in the industry can be ambiguous, so don’t assume – ask.

Request a detailed job description if one hasn’t been provided (which is a red flag in itself), and question anything that feels vague. Who will you report to? How is success measured? What’s the budget, the team size, the leadership support for communications?

If the hiring manager can’t articulate this clearly, proceed with caution. You're not just filling a gap – they should be able to describe how your role contributes to broader business goals.

Ask about change and growth

Two often-overlooked but critical areas to probe:

• Restructuring or reorganisation: Is there a merger pending? Leadership churn? Will your future manager still be there in three months? Change is normal, but transparency around it should be, too.
• Internal mobility and promotion pathways: Comms teams often struggle to retain talent because growth pathways aren’t clear. Ask about the track record of internal promotions. Is there a culture of nurturing talent, or do senior hires always come from outside?

These questions speak volumes about a company’s long-term viability and how it values people in roles like yours.

Know what you're signing up for in a scale-up

If you’re moving into a fast-growing or early-stage company, be aware: that job spec is likely to change – fast. One month you might be leading a launch; the next, you’re project-managing the website rebuild, hiring a team, and reporting directly to the CEO.

That volatility isn’t for everyone. But for those who love building from scratch, learning at speed, and being close to the decision-making, it can be an incredible growth opportunity. Just make sure that’s the ride you’re signing up for, and that your appetite matches the pace.

Choose your recruiter as carefully as your role

The recruiter is often your first window into a company. A good one can make all the difference. Here’s how to spot the difference:

Great recruiters will:

• Brief you thoroughly on the business, structure, and culture
• Offer intel on the hiring team, the personalities, and current clients
• Get you a proper job spec (not just a list of clichés)
• Ask probing questions about your goals to ensure fit

Poor recruiters will:

• Tell you to “just check out the website”
• Give vague answers to your specific questions
• Send your CV without your permission (a major red flag)
• Ghost you and rarely give you feedback

In communications, where nuance and fit are everything, the recruiter’s insight could be the make-or-break between a great match and a mismatched disaster. If your recruiter isn’t doing the legwork, you're not getting the full picture.

Stay prepared – because the industry never stops moving

Finally, remember that no job is forever. Corporate comms is dynamic by nature. Brands evolve. Teams shift. Budgets come and go. So, while you’re doing all this due diligence now, keep one eye on the horizon.

• Keep your LinkedIn page up to date
• Build and maintain your network (even when you’re happy)
• Track your wins – especially business impact
• Stay curious, keep learning

Because even if this next job is ‘the one’, you’ll be even better prepared for what comes after it.

For a free download of our full Annual Salary Guide 2024, click here. Salary Guide 2025 coming out soon!

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