Have you ever been asked – ‘What do you look for in a job’? Perhaps your friend asked you this, or you might have heard it at a job interview. The default thought that arrives is money! Money does play a significant role, but as you dig a little deeper, you might find many more factors to consider before applying for a job. Right?
As you apply for a job, keep in mind that the position is in sync with your career goals and personality. But apart from this, many things need to be considered and discussed!
Let’s take an example for this – you spot a job that perfectly suits your background, experience, and skills. You feel a rush of excitement and submit your CV.
And after that? You wait and wait! You spend a few weeks checking your mail, but there isn’t any response from the recruiter.
Maybe you were the perfect candidate for the job, but you didn’t follow the necessary steps before submitting your application. That’s why you didn’t get that interview call! Do you know what these factors are?
Well, that’s what this blog is all about! It aims to help you deeply understand the factors to consider before applying for a job. After all, finding jobs isn’t easy, and if you got one, it’s time to give your 100% from the initial step!
Factors to consider before applying for a job
Before applying for a job, understanding factors such as company history, company values, etc., can help you find a suitable role. Thus, to determine which position is the best for you, here are the factors to consider before applying for a job!
- Company History
Knowing and understanding a company’s history can give you a glimpse into its stability, culture, and values. Therefore, it is advised to find out as much as possible about the potential employer from websites, press releases, social media accounts, and much more. Here are some essential to look for:
- How long has the organization been in business?
- Is the company expanding or downsizing?
- How often has the firm laid off employees?
- Did the company have major advancements?
- Has the company ever been in the news for legal or financial issues?
The relative importance of each of the questions depends upon the situation you are in. For instance, if you have certain responsibilities and job security is essential to you, you must look for companies that are expanding and have lots of good press and leaders. Thus, knowing the company’s history will benefit you in finding a perfect job!
- Company Values
Work doesn’t feel like a burden when your career goals are in sync with the goals of your employer. Thus, when researching a potential employer, compare your values with the employees’ mission statement, business model, and core values.
For instance, look for companies that partner with nonprofit organizations, community groups, or charitable trusts. This will help you know how much the company engages in good work.
Therefore, if you also wish to take your work to the world, this can be one of the critical factors to consider before applying for a job.
- Job Location
Consider the length of your workday and think about your working hours and commuting time. Also, be realistic about the time you are willing to spend going back and forth every day.
If your commute requires more time, it will affect your working hours and stress level. Thus, the cost of commuting is a vital factor when comparing salaries from different companies, as fuel and parking costs can eat your take-home salary. So, it’s time to consider this aspect if you still haven’t!
- Working Hours
Working hours vary from company to company, but you must know how these hours will fit into your life. In simpler terms, it is best to find out how many hours are expected in a week and how much extra time needs to be handled.
Also, you must find out if a weekend or holiday work is required and if you must be ‘on-call’ while you are away from work.
- Benefits
As you compare several companies, it’s vital to compare benefits packages. For instance, health insurance is one essential benefit required by every employee, but not every company provides health insurance. Also, a job with a retirement saving plan can help you plan your future while you work.
Another benefit to consider can be how the company handles your vacation time and sick days. Thus, if you have moved to a new job, look out if the company covers relocation costs or not. Don’t ignore smaller perks like employee discounts on company merchandise, wellness memberships, etc., as well!
- Growth Opportunities
Positions that offer growth opportunities are one of the vital factors to consider before applying for a job! For example, earlier in your career, you may work in roles that provide entry-level pay rates in exchange for the opportunity to obtain experience and earn a full-time post.
So, if you are further along in your career, look for opportunities that help you develop new skills. For instance, many companies offer on-site training or pay for the classes as a part of professional development.
Thus, look for a job that teaches you transferable skills and helps you move towards larger career goals.
- Work-Life Balance
Achieving work-life balance is a critical part of achieving overall well-being. So, demanding jobs might seem highly rewarding, but your work-life balance might be disrupted in the long run. Therefore, it is vital to ask your potential employer about their vacation policies, sick days, and work-from-home flexibility.
Moreover, finding a balance between work and life becomes all the more crucial when you are a working parent. In such situations, it is best to ask about the company policies on sick days and leaving work early for special events!
- Work Environment
Because you spend a lot of time at work, ensuring a good work environment is essential. Therefore, you must consider whether you prefer working in a small company or a large MNC. Check out the workspaces and see if it excites you or not! This will increase your job satisfaction and overall happiness.
When you visit for an interview, watch employees as they work. This will let you know if the employees are happy and satisfied and if the workplace seems pleasant. Also, be sure to check out how employees are dressed. Through this, you will have a complete idea of the work environment of the company!
- Colleagues
Colleagues are a considerable part of our work life. Thus, trying to know them is integral before accepting the job offer. Pay attention to how coworkers interact with one another and ask as many questions as possible about the work environment.
You must also take note of management as they work with junior staff. Thus, knowing a bit about your colleagues can assist you in knowing whether you must take up the job offer or not!
- Salary
How can we forget the most vital factor? Salary is one of the integral factors to consider before applying for a job. Your compensation package should be able to meet your basic needs and help you plan for the future.
As you look for a job, review your budget and understand how much you need to earn to pay your bills. Therefore, it is advised to search the salary range for the jobs you are considering to negotiate and have a better-starting salary!
What are you looking for?
If you also ask yourself, ‘What are the factors to consider before applying for a job’ you are not alone! Perhaps you are looking for a job that allows you to work from home, offers better compensation and other benefits.
These are all critical factors when it comes to finding a job. But the most important thing is to obtain a position where you feel valued, heard, and appreciated.
So, what are the factors that you feel are significant? How will they help you? Let us know in the comments below!
