Choosing the right job can be tricky. Some people are focused on salary, while others are focused on flexibility. As our lives change, so do our priorities. What once was most important to you may take a back seat as you progress in your career. There are some important things to consider when choosing your next job and company. A few considerations include:
- Are salary and benefit options most important to you?
- Do you desire a strong work-life balance?
- Do you want to work remotely or have a hybrid schedule? Are you looking for a job with flexibility? Do you prefer working in an office?
- How important is company culture to you?
- Do you want to be a part of a close-knit team that helps their community?
- Are you able to grow within the organization?
Picture the life that you want. Once you decide how you want to live, you can start pursuing those jobs and companies that help you achieve your goals.
A Money-Focused/Benefits Decision
We all know that salary is important – you have to make a living to pay your bills. Your base salary is not the only thing you should be paying attention to. There are many factors that you should be ready to discuss and negotiate when accepting a job offer:
- Insurance – medical/dental/vision/supplemental
- 401(k) program and any corporate matching
- Paid time off/sick days/holidays
- Equity/bonuses/profit sharing
- Maternity/paternity leave
- Short-term disability
- Long-term disability
It is important to look at the company as a whole. Do they have other perks? Discounts such as wellness plans or gym memberships? Internet/phone reimbursement if you are working remotely? Don’t be shy – ask questions. You need to know!
Don’t feel comfortable negotiating these things? You aren’t alone. Working with a recruiter can help you navigate these difficult conversations.
Flexibility
The way businesses operate and how work is done has changed forever. This “new normal” is now old news, and flexibility and adaptability are the keys to success. The pandemic has had many negative effects, but one positive result is how companies have streamlined themselves and became more efficient, which in many cases means more remote opportunities.
Is this company flexible enough for your lifestyle? Are you looking for a strict 8 to 5 schedule, or do you want to work the hours that you choose? Do they offer remote work or a hybrid schedule? Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you and your potential employer have a clear understanding of your expectations moving forward.
Work Environment/Culture
Stress is an inevitable part of work. Maintaining a positive work environment can help counteract that stress. It doesn’t matter how much money you make or how many benefits you have, if you don’t have a positive work environment, the rest doesn’t matter.
More people are working from home than ever before, and employers struggle to maintain their company culture. A positive work environment is still one of the key reasons that people choose their place of employment. If possible, talk to other employees, not just those in charge of hiring. This will give you an inside look into how the company’s culture has changed since the start of the pandemic – for better or for worse.
Community Support/Involvement
Any effort by businesses to give back to a charitable organization or community is important – no act of giving is too small. Whether it’s holding a silent auction or getting out in the community and cleaning up trash, getting out of the office and helping others can reinvigorate a team.
How important is supporting your community to you? Do you feel that giving back gives you a sense of purpose and belonging? If so, this is something to take into consideration before choosing an employer. With so much stress and devastation going on in the world around us, it has never been a more important time to give back.
Career Progression/Opportunity for Growth
Picture this – you just got your dream job. It has a great salary, great benefits, and a great company culture. Where do you see yourself in five years? How about 10? Is there any opportunity for growth? What matters most to you: growth or stability?
Some companies lay out your opportunities during the interview process, while others do not. No one will look out for your future but you. One thing to keep in mind is that employers care about retention. If you are able to lay out your ideal career progression during the interview process, your employer may see that you are in it for the long haul. Describe what you are looking for and be sure to ask for what you want and deserve.
In Closing
There are no guarantees when choosing the right company to work for as things are constantly changing. But you can eliminate some doubt by doing your research and starting with your questions and getting answers. To summarize, here are a few things you should keep in mind when choosing the “right” job and company:
- Go through your benefits package with a fine-tooth comb and make sure it is right for you and your family.
- Make sure that you take all costs into consideration – whether you are working remotely or onsite.
- Lay out your ideal day and make sure that the job is flexible enough for your lifestyle.
- Do people who work there love coming to work every day? Has the pandemic changed their company culture in a negative way?
- Does this company participate in charitable programs?
- Does this job fit your career path? Will it get you where you want to be in your professional life?
While there are other factors to consider depending on what matters to you, these are the most common ones to consider. Do your research, talk things over with a trusted friend or family member, and visit the office if you can to get a feel for the company. Make sure the job is what YOU want and fits YOUR professional goals.
At TM Floyd & Company, our recruiters can help you in your search in choosing the right employer. Reach out to us today if you are in the market for a new career opportunity!
