When deciding whether you want to take on a new job, you should look beyond the paycheck. Salary is indeed important, but it does not always translate into happiness. There are many other aspects of the job and company to consider, which should not be overlooked. Whether you’re just beginning your career or hoping to advance up the career ladder, ensuring you are passionate about your new role and learning about your potential employer’s company culture is crucial for finding out if you’d be a good fit for the role. Consider these six points when weighing the pros and cons of that new position.
The Interview and Test
You should always consider your level of preparedness for the interview and test. Aptitude tests are a great way for a hiring manager to gauge your suitability for a role. They are a tool used to see how you might deal with the challenges of your interviewing role. Many job seekers overlook the seriousness of these tests, and they come unprepared. The more you practice, the better prepared you are and the better your chances of getting hired. You can get prepared with free logical reasoning test example questions online. Aptitude tests are commonly done through online platforms. However, companies may invite you to take these tests in-person. This depends on their recruitment processes. Whatever the case may be, you should be adequately prepared for it.
Benefits
You should keep in mind that your base salary is just one component of your overall compensation package. Before signing the dotted line, it is important to think about and negotiate insurance, equity, retirement contributions, paid time off, bonuses, and more. You should also inquire about the other custom benefits offered by your prospective employer, such as wellness programs (including discounts on gym memberships), pre-tax travel options, or relocation reimbursement.
Working Hours
Every office job is not a “9 to 5” job. Make sure you and your potential employer agree on regular working hours before committing to a job change. Try to get a sense of how much after-hours work is considered normal beyond determining whether you begin your day at 9:00 or 10:00 a.m. Consider how this may impact your health and life when getting a new job with different hours than your usual schedule (such as weekends, evenings, or early mornings).
Company Culture
It is important to understand that the culture of your new workplace has a significant impact on your level of job satisfaction. You may want to see if current and former employees are satisfied with how they are treated and the work environment. During your interview, get an idea of the employee turnover rate and if your interviewers like it there. Although something intangible like “office culture” can be tricky to assess before your start date, questions about flexible work hours, team-building events, and regular reviews (reviews that provide the opportunity for both giving as well as receiving feedback) can prove useful.
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Growth Opportunities
Be sure to inquire about the unique advancement opportunities in the company during the interview process. You will not only be able to get a better sense of what the future might hold at that company, but you will also show the hiring manager that you have a long-term commitment to the organization. You should also look at employees’ social media pages at your potential organization; for example, find out how long they’ve stayed in the same role. And while the typical growth direction includes promotions to more senior positions within a department, it’s also intelligent to inquire about horizontal opportunities. As your interests and skills evolve, you may discover you want to pursue a lateral career move to a different unit within the same company.
Company History
It may not be possible to predict the future, but understanding the history of a company can give you an insight into its stability, values, and culture. Get as much information as possible about a potential employer by visiting their websites, blogs, and social media accounts. Here are a few things to look out for:
- Since when has the company been in business?
- Is the company growing or shrinking?
- What major advancements has the company made, and how are they expanding into new markets?
- What makes your potential employer different from other companies in their field?
- How often does the company lay off employees?
- Has the company ever been in the news for financial or legal reasons?
Depending on your situation, each of these questions will be of varying importance. For example, if you are a family-oriented person looking for a place to work, check if the company you are applying with is expanding, receives good press, and is a leader in the field.
An employment relationship should have three main characteristics: recognition, career advancement, and work balance. According to employee surveys, these are the three most important factors for candidates. To find out how a potential employer ranks when it comes to these three things, you can browse its website, read articles about the company, and prepare questions before going in for an interview. A job is not simply about the salary you are paid.
