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If you’re currently seeking a job, it’s likely that salary and job security are key factors as you evaluate potential employers. A recent survey developed by Robert Half International reflects these priorities: Twenty-seven percent of Chief Financial Officers polled said they believe salary is the most important consideration for candidates, while 24 percent cited job security as most critical.
Good pay and a stable work environment can go a long way in making your job more satisfying, but there are a number of other factors to consider as well. Whether you have already received an offer or you are in the interviewing stage, here are some tips to help you evaluate companies and determine which employer is right for you:
- What are your top priorities? Though pay and security rated highest on the survey, 22 percent of executives polled said they believe work environment or corporate culture is most important to job candidates and seventeen percent cited career advancement opportunities. To accurately assess potential employers and compare offers, you need to know what qualities are most important to you. Depending on your situation, perks such as stock options or flexible work hours may be more important to you than having a higher base salary.
- How can you assess the culture? Your initial research on the company can give you clues as to its prevailing culture, but the interview is your best chance to make observations first hand. Remember that the interview is a two-way street. The hiring manager wants to learn about how you would fit in, and it’s just as important for you to ask yourself the same question. Contacts within the company or colleagues who have worked there before may be able to provide information about the firm’s work environment and opportunities for advancement. If you don’t get a good overall feeling about the culture, this may be the wrong spot for you.
- What is the company’s future? Whether the company you are considering is a new start-up or it’s been around for 100 years, you’ll want to consider its strategic direction and stability. Consider the management team’s leadership style and past accomplishments. If you are looking at a small, start-up company, it’s likely that the salary and job security levels may not be as attractive as at a more established firm. However, you should also consider the organization’s growth potential and how much you can learn on the job. Smaller organizations may be shorter on formal training resources but often offer opportunities for rapid learning and increased responsibility.
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