The Update

Things to Look for In a New Job

If you’re in the market for a new job, you likely have a list of requirements that includes some must-haves and a few would-be-nice-to-haves for your new position. However, there are several important factors in a new position that many future employees overlook. Here are five things to look for in a new job.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary requirements are likely to be the number one item on your list when looking for a new job, but your paycheck is so much more than a number or single dollar amount. Ask about the entire package being offered with the open position. Are health benefits included in the contract? If yes, what kind of premiums and coverage can you expect to have? How many personal days does the job offer include for each calendar year? What, if any, retirement savings plan is included in the salary? If applicable, are costs of travel and moving covered?

Look at the full picture before making a decision.

A Strong, Growing Company

There’s no way to know for sure what will happen to any company in the next few years, or even months, but it’s important to do some research on the company you may be interested in joining. Ask these questions from a current or recent employee:

• How long has this company been in business?
• Is the company in the process of expanding or downsizing?
• Is there a fast turnover of staff at this company?
• Has this business ever been in the news for financial trouble or been the subject of a PR campaign?

Looking into a company’s history can help you know what to expect during its future.

Company Values That Align With Yours

It’s important to belong to a workplace that shares your values. If you need to compromise your integrity and swallow your true feelings every time you walk into work, you’ll harbor resentment and won’t enjoy your job much, if at all. Working for a company whose values align with yours will help build positive feelings toward the business and make your job more pleasant. In addition to questions about the company’s history, it’s wise to talk to current and former employees about the company’s culture as well as what its employees value most. This feedback can be quite telling when trying to determine value alignment.

A Position That Challenges You to Grow

Whatever position you’re seeking, it should prompt you to grow and to build personal skills you’ve never, or rarely, used at your previous workplace. Don’t look for a job you can do easily; look for one that will challenge you and force you to grow beyond your current skill set. This will turn you into a more valuable worker and a happier, more fulfilled person.

A Positive Environment

A job can be perfect on paper but turn out to be a nightmare in real life, thanks to a toxic work environment. Speak to recent and current employees at the company to find out what the office is really like.

Is the boss overly critical and demanding, or do they set high standards in a firm but understanding manner? Is there a strong thread of competition running through the office, or do team members work well together and celebrate each other’s successes? Is the office environment tense and high-pressured, or is it a happy, pleasant place to work?

Find out everything you can about the office environment before accepting a job.

A new job is a big deal, and it’s important to do your research carefully before signing a work contract. Use the tips outlined here to learn what to look for in a new job.

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