As the hiring season looms as imminently as the New Year, there are important things to look for when accepting a new job. Over the years I’ve applied to, and accepted my fair share of jobs. Some good, some really not so good. However, every accepted job has been a lesson for me.
I think the biggest thing I have learned from applying to various jobs is to always ask questions. The interview is the time that you have to learn more about the job. Although, questions like what time can I leave for the day or how long am I allowed for lunch should probably be left for after you’ve been hired.
Accepting a new job is a big step. You’re going to be spending the majority of your time at this new position so you definitely want to make sure it’s going to be the right fit. This goes for you and the hiring manager.
So what things should you be looking for when accepting a new job? Read on.
Company culture
This is a tricky one because knowing what the corporate culture is like is important. However, it’s often hard to get a really good sense of what that’s going to be like until you actually start working at the job. Everyone can say they work hard and play hard but how many actually do that?
My biggest advice is to look at review websites like Glassdoor. This is probably one of the best ways to get a sense of what the company will be like if you don’t know someone who actually works there already. If you’re feeling ambitious feel free to cold email someone who already works there on LinkedIn. Send a message and let them know what position you’re interviewing for and ask them their honest opinion. No one else is going to give you a good idea of the company more than those who already work there.
Overall compensation package
Having a good salary is one thing but what many people don’t realize or don’t think about are the mass amounts of benefits you can get on top of your salary. Often times these benefits will outweigh another slightly higher paying position. Take for example getting something like an extra $400 in massage benefits everywhere. While this might not be something that you see on your paycheque every year, it definitely adds to your overall amount pulled in.
Another thing I look for that really contributes to how much money you’re given are matching plans. Whether this is a pension plan, RRSPs or TFSAs, if the company has some sort of plan you need to consider that on your bottom line. It’s basically money in your pocket, just at a later date.
Wellness packages
Not every company will have this but one thing I love to look for is what your company gives you in terms of health and wellness. I’m very lucky where I am to be given a yearly allowance of money that I can spend on anything health related. One year I bought my Fitbit from it (which I’m obsessed with) and another I bought a pair of new running shoes.
Another part of the wellness package would be gym memberships. Some company will offer you special rates for joining a gym they have an affiliation with. For people like me who work out every day, this is definitely an added bonus.
Tuition assistance
One thing that absolutely every company should offer but often doesn’t is tuition assistance programs. A good employee is one that’s always trying to improve themselves. A good company is one that helps them do that. While you’re starting to see more companies offer compensation for employees that are looking to upgrade their skills, not everyone does. This makes it an important one to look out for.
The commute
While you may have found your perfect job, if it means you’re going to be commuting 3 hours every day I can promise you it’s going to make your job so much worse. I’ve been there. I had a job that I really enjoyed but ended up having to take the train for 3 hours total every day and I got so tired of it. Eventually, it ended up making me resent my job.
Look at all options available to you as well. Just because you can drive to your new location that doesn’t mean it’s the best option. Sometimes taking public transit and not having to worry about traffic or concentrate on your trip home are better options.
Office space and equipment
The majority of the time when you visit a company for an interview it’s going to be in the office that you’ll be working in. My recommendation would be to use a careful eye when making your way through it to get to the meeting room.
I know it might sound a bit silly but trust me having good equipment makes such a difference. Imagine working in social media but only having a heavy slow desktop computer? It would make your job so much harder than having a shiny new MacBook and iPhone to accompany it.
So there you have it, 6 things you need to look for when trying to find your perfect job!
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