The job sounds like a dream. You can't believe how lucky you are. So, you give notice at your current job to accept this wonderful dream job at which you know you will excel. Then you start the new job. And nothing is what you thought it would be.

Have you ever been in this situation? If you haven't, consider yourself lucky because I have and it is awful. When I was in this situation I was miserable every day. I was on an emotional rollercoaster and angry with myself for giving up a good job for a horrible one. I have recently talked to a couple of people who have gone through this situation including a good friend of mine who is currently living this very nightmare. Those of us who have been through this have some advice for avoiding the corporate bait and switch.

Here are our tips:

1. Before accepting any job do lots of research. Research everything you can find out about the company. Research the people, the culture, and the company financial history and business relationships. Private companies are, of course, more difficult to research than public ones but use every resource you can find to get information about the company's future, business strategy, and culture. For information on what former employees have to say about companies try The Vault or WetFeet.
   
   
2. Before accepting any job ask (demand if you have to) to meet all members of the management team as well as every single person you will be working with directly. Don't take no for an answer on this one. Meet every employee that you can and ask them all similar questions about the company so that you can compare answers.
   
   
3. No matter how small or unstructured the company, ask (demand if you have to) a written job description and organization chart. If they won't or can't give that information to you do not accept the job.
   
   
4. Ask the following questions of as many employees as you can:
   
   What do you see as the biggest challenge to the company in terms of achieving increased growth/revenue?
   
   Does the management team (or VC firm) have plans to sell the company or take it public? If so, what is the timeframe?
   
   What do you (question directed to whatever employee/manager you are addressing) think is the single biggest challenge that I might face in my new role with the company?
   
   Regarding the position that I have been offered, what do you see as the long term plan for this position?
   
   What are the short term "must achieve" goals that I should start thinking about? What is the timeframe for achieving those goals.
   
   Is the company currently working with or in negotiations with any consulting firms that might be doing work that overlaps my job? If yes, will I have any input into the selection of the firm or their assignment?
   
   
5. Do not take a pay cut, a title cut, or leave money on the table at your old employer without getting written assurance from the new employer that states exactly when you will be made whole by the firm. Trust me on this one. Companies don't respect what they don't have to pay for...no matter what they tell you when they are courting you.
   
   
6. If you are taking a job with a start up, particularly in the high-tech or bio-tech industries, consult with a labor attorney prior to accepting the job. Even if you are mid-level employee it can't hurt to talk to an attorney about the terms the company is offering you. If the attorney has suggestions about how to improve the offer, have your attorney talk to the company - don't worry about offending anyone either. Having an attorney negotiate for you only helps your credibility, it won't hurt it.
   
   
7. Starting Day 1 at your new job, keep a job diary! I have written about the importance of this before and I can't emphasize the importance of documenting what goes on at work in case you ever need to refer to it when creating a resume or consulting an attorney.

One thing I would add to this is that if you don't really like the people you meet at the company or if you feel uncomfortable around them for any reason, it probably won't get better if you go to work there. No matter how cool the technology they are selling or how great you think the business model is, people matter. And if you don't like the people you probably won't like the job.

If you have been through a similar situation and would like to offer advice to others please send me a note and I will update this article to include your thoughts. Or maybe I will do follow up article if enough additional information is submitted.

Be very careful about the jobs you accept because you are the only person who really wants to protect your interests - everyone else is busy protecting their own.