5 Things to Consider When Looking for a Job

When going through the job search process, finding your perfect position goes beyond the job description. From company culture to location and life-work balance, job seekers are in the driver’s seat in today’s market. 

The following are the five top things to consider when looking for a job. 

Company Values

One of the most important things to consider when researching potential employers is how their value aligns with yours. Company values are the guiding principles and fundamental beliefs that help a group function together as a team and work toward a common business goal. 

Every successful organization has strong company values that the team shares. Studies have shown that companies with solid company values have better financial performance, customer and employee satisfaction, and faster growth. 

When job searching, you should always research a company’s values, including honesty, integrity, and hard work, and understand how these values match your own. How does the organization choose to go about its business? What is the mission statement, and does the company actually live it?

Location

Location is another primary consideration when understanding what to look for in a job. You must consider the length of your workday, including working hours, commute time, and potential rush-hour traffic and use of public transportation.

Even if you’re open to traveling and willing to relocate, that doesn’t mean you should be ready to move anywhere. If you hate the winter, don’t move to Chicago; if you hate the hot summers, don’t move to Texas. You must acknowledge how job location affects your non-work life and the stress it could cause you. 

Therefore, working from home can be an attractive alternative that saves time and commuting expenses.

Salary/ Benefits

Your salary and benefits package should meet your basic needs and help you live comfortably now and in the future. Go into the job search knowing what you want and what is fair in your industry. Research your position and how the company’s salary compares to similar companies. Health insurance benefits, vacation time, sick days, and retirement plans are a few things you should consider. 

Pay attention to more minor perks like employee discounts on company merchandise and discounted wellness memberships. Once you know what you’d be willing to accept, be prepared to walk away from an offer that doesn’t fit your needs. 

Opportunities for Growth

Jobs that provide growth opportunities are important in the early years of your career. A great company should offer opportunities for advancement within the organization, especially in an entry-level position, as promotion is an incentive to learn as much as possible and prove your commitment. 

But if you are further along in your career, look for opportunities to develop new skills. Some companies offer on-site training or classes as part of your professional development.

Overall, employees need to feel valued for their contributions and have an individual development plan that defines a path for future growth opportunities.  

Work-Life Balance

Work-life balance is an essential aspect of a healthy work environment. Chronic stress is one of the most common health issues in the workplace, potentially leading to physical consequences such as hypertension, digestive troubles, chronic pains, and heart problems.

Therefore, maintaining a work-life balance helps to reduce stress, prevent burnout in the workplace, strengthen personal relationships, make a bigger impact in the workplace and your personal life, be present, prioritize happiness, and let go of “having to do it all.” 

A February 2022 Gallup survey revealed an increase in the importance of work-life balance and well-being over the years, with 53% of employees citing them as “very important” in 2015 compared with 61% of today’s workforce. In fact, these values landed the first and second spots as the essential factors for accepting a job. 

A greater work-life balance also allows employers to reap various benefits, including productivity, lower absenteeism, and improved physical and mental health.