Two things make the perfect job – finding a position that suits your skills or qualifications and working for the right company. Unfortunately, many people forget about the latter when chasing the former. But while finding the right job is important, working for (or with) the right company is equally essential. It’s important to target organizations or companies that align with your values, work preferences, and career goals, not just your certificates and qualifications. So if you’re job-hunting and want to enjoy your next work position, these tips will help you figure out which companies to apply for.
- Consider your needs
A good salary is important, but it’s best to look beyond that and determine what you want from your employer and your next job. If you have previous work experience, list what you enjoyed about your time at work and what you’d rather forget. That should guide you about what to avoid in your next job and what to look for. If you have no previous work experience, define what you want your perfect employer and workplace to be and look like. Think about things like work-and-life balance, work schedule flexibility, paid leave periods, health provisions, and safety issues.
- Research the company culture
The first thing people look at is the job title and whether or not they qualify. But qualifying for a position doesn’t automatically mean the company is right for you. So, take the time to learn as much as possible about the company, especially its culture. Read the company website, check out its vision and mission statements, read the team and career pages, and search its social media pages to discover all you can about the people who work there. Find out if the workers there are happy or stressed or the company experiences regular employee strikes and labor actions.
- Include demographics, location, and company size
Consider other things apart from the company culture and staff. Look at the company size, for example. Do you prefer working with a small team or a large organization? Think about the company’s team demographics, also. Do you prefer a company that hires more workers from a particular age group? For example, if you’re a woman, you can determine if the company’s city or state is best suited for your gender. You can read articles like Checkr’s report on top cities for women in business for more info about the best cities for women in the workforce. Also, a company’s location is important when determining its suitability, so feel free to consider this.
- Ask questions during the job interview
A good interview shouldn’t be one-sided. While potential employers want to know more about you, they’ll also allow you to ask questions at the end of the job interview. Grab this opportunity and ask about things you want to know about the company. Find out from your potential employers what your first week will be like, how you’ll contribute to the company’s success, what your day-to-day routine will look like, what sort of budget you will work with, what challenges you can expect to face, and available opportunities for career progression.