Looking For A Job? Consider These 14 Factors

When you begin a job search, you may not know exactly what you want in a potential employer. To find a job you love, there are several things to consider. Here are 14 factors to weigh in a job.

Location: Any opportunity might not be worth a long, expensive and stressful commute. Or working in the office five days a week. Does the organization offer hybrid work? How will you split your time between remote and office work? How will you get there, and how long does it take?

Job title and responsibilities: A job title can impact your career path, including salary, benefits, reputation and future opportunities. Make sure the job title and responsibilities align.

Company history: Look into the company’s past economic performance, where it rates vs. the competition, the structure, and its reputation for culture, quality, and customer service. If a company has a history of mergers, downsizing, and acquisitions, expect more of the same.

Company values: Get a sense of whether the organization lives its values every day. Does the company value a good work-life balance? Is there anything in the news about the company’s values? Do employees recommend the company, and are they happy at work? Will you make an impact by working with the company?

Benefits: Companies offer things other than salary that provide value. Common benefits and perks include childcare assistance, disability insurance, health insurance (dental, life, and vision), health savings account contributions, paid family leave, professional development, remote work, retirement contributions, stock options, student loan repayment, tuition reimbursement, and wellness support.

Salary: Energage research shows pay alone does not offer long-term job satisfaction. But money matters. Make sure the company’s salary matches what you think you should earn. When an employer asks about your salary expectations, make sure you have done your homework on the range of salaries for that role.

Work hours: Will the job entail working late nights or weekends? Even if you have flexible hours, there might be times when you have to stay late or start early. Get clarity on the details.

Workplace culture and environment: Workplace culture and environment can significantly impact ‌job satisfaction, happiness, and productivity. Find a company where you feel comfortable. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are important for creating a welcoming atmosphere that values contributions from everyone.

Work-life balance and workplace flexibility: Work-life balance refers to the relationship between professional and personal life. Workplace flexibility refers to how employees can schedule and structure their work time. Find a company that offers flexible options to accommodate your needs.

Professional development and advancement: Professional development opportunities can improve productivity, employee retention, and workplace morale. Organizations that offer types of training and development tend to value individual growth as much as organizational growth. Ask about the company’s history of internal promotions.

Employee appreciation and recognition: Recognition is a reward for workers and shows they are valued. It’s important to know how the workplace values employees.

The team and management: Understand the company’s management style. Know the qualities of a good manager. Leadership impacts culture, so it’s helpful to learn as much as possible. 

Tools and technology: Ensure the company has the right tools to do the job. This includes the technologies you will be working with; how you get access; hardware and software; and backup procedures. Make sure the company is dedicated to continuous improvement. 

Communication: Effective communication improves the employee experience, which means it also boosts company culture, retention, and productivity.

Most important, find a position where you feel valued, heard, and appreciated.

Bob Helbig is media partnerships director at Energage, a Philadelphia-based employee survey firm. Energage is The Washington Post’s survey partner for Top Workplaces.