When first starting out in the working world I was constantly job hunting – looking for any job that would help me get into the field I was passionate about; marketing. For the past 8 years, I have been working jobs I didn’t necessarily ‘love’ in an effort to improve my resume to help me get to where I wanted to be.
Admittedly, I have switched jobs more than most others I know but this means I have had plenty of opportunity and experience in interviewing, negotiating and applying for different jobs. Each role I’ve accepted has gone through my checklist, with a main focus of benefits that helped me to travel.
One thing my father always taught me, was the art of negotiation and making sure to always ask for more. The thing I’ve learned now having been on the hired and hiring side is that if there is more money available and you ask for it, you’ll likely get it. It’s not always the case but at the same time, if you don’t ask, you’re never going to get the chance to make more.
Before accepting a job there are 4 items on my checklist that I make sure are ticked off before accepting the role. I would recommend everyone has a list, whether it means better health benefits, a pension, more vacation or anything that makes you enjoy your job a little more.
Here are some of the things I think are good to look for before accepting a new job:
More money
I will never accept a job for the same or less money. Why would I? No matter what job I’m accepting or looking to accept, I’ll be coming with more experience than I had in the previous one and I think experience should be rewarded.
That being said, there are many things to consider beyond the amount of salary you’ll be getting. Some positions will offer bonus programs or commission. You should be considering this amount as part of your overall compensation.
The one thing I think many people overlook is other factors like an RRSP matching program (401K for my American friends) or pensions. While this doesn’t contribute to your bottom line and takehome pay, in my opinion, it’s worth FAR more in the long run, plus matching programs mean free money. I have been lucky enough to have had 75% of the employers I have ever worked with had an RRSP matching program. It was because of these programs I was able to afford a downpayment on a house!
Vacation days
For some weird reason, climbing the corporate usually means the more time off you get for vacation. Over the past couple of years, I’ve been lucky enough to build up more vacation time with every job. Although most Europeans would still look at that and laugh.
Many people don’t realize that you can actually negotiate for more vacation days in your contract. Even 2 more days can make a difference. If you tack those 2 days onto a long weekend, that could be 5 days away!
Work-life balance
While this is never a guarantee or something you’ll know before starting, it’s something you should keep an eye out for. Look for reviews of the company online on places like Glassdoor. Current and past employees will give realistic reviews and let you know what the work culture is like.
Look for reviews that talk about overtime or having to answer emails and phone calls after hours. These are typically red flags that tell you a lot about how the company feels about work-life balance.
However, if you love to work like me this might not actually be something that matters all that much to you. Although I’m weird in the sense that I like to choose to work not be forced to do it. Being in Social Media, nothing ever stops so there are always things to keep me busy but having to work overtime to meet a deadline from a business partner or something along that nature is not what keeps me motivated.
Tuition Assistance Programs
I think this is such an underrated benefit that people don’t consider when looking for a new job. As someone who is always looking to improve their skills and learn something new, this is a huge benefit. I’ve managed to (almost) complete 2 post-graduate certificates this way, all paid for by my employers.
For the companies that offer this, they will often tell you about the programs up front when talking about benefits but don’t be afraid to ask either!
Interesting article and a little more practical than many I have read of late. The trend seems to be for people to give up their day jobs and go travel the world and somehow make a living. Good luck with your career moves, it sounds like you have a good value system on which to base your decisions.
I’m glad you think so Sue. I agree – there are a lot of people quitting their jobs to travel the world but that’s not always practical nor is it always what people are looking for. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
I haven’t really thought about what to negotiate when applying for a job. I always had this mindset that I should impress, that I shouldn’t do anything to disappoint a would-be employer. So you have given me fresh insight. You are right, it’s better to actually ask them about the things that you want. After all, you will be giving your time, energy, and talent when you work for them. I will keep this in mind when I find another job.
I think the work life balance is in many ways the most important. If you are working every hour of the week you never have any time to travel!
To be honest I have found it hard to find a new job since I decided I want to travel, my heart just isn’t in giving so much time to someone else in exchange for money. I realised it was my choice not to get a “proper job” because I knew it would hold me back from my real ambitions in life.
Definitely agree Richard!
Great!! Hopefully it helps 🙂
Its catch 22 situation to travel and also have a proper job. In this world where more and more people are taking traveling as serious way of life, organizations have to change their mindset and accommodate people with tarvel mind set.
Great post! This has been a dilemma for so many people these days. I started being a freelancer recently. It has some of its benefits, but it is so hard in the beginning. Therefore, securing a government job seems sexier. It boils down to what makes you happiest. I don’t mind staying at the office an hour or two once a week, but if it is a regular occurrence – no, thanks.
Interesting post! Finding a job is not always about the money or the title – for me its more of what makes you happy and that you really like what you are doing… But yeah, always better to be clear right from the start about the expections of both parties:)
I was really worst in negotiating for a full time job but then freelancing made me realize my worth. Okay, that’s a different thing now but I have to admit, I only hold that passion thing when I was searching jobs after university. Thanks for these points! 🙂
These are great tips! I haven’t had to enter the “Real” job market yet but if I did I’d take your advice and ask for a slightly higher salary 🙂
I earned my college degree from my job offering the tuition reimbursement program so I am a big fan of it! Good suggestions. 😉
When your are a restless worker, there is always a way to find a job! Maybe as a tourguide (just for a short time). Great blog thought!