Did you lose your job during the pandemic? Are you a recent college grad ready to find the perfect employer? Maybe you’re merely interested in pursuing a position with room for growth. If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you’re probably actively engaged in a job hunt. Though the pickings were slim just a few months ago, the reopening of businesses has created opportunities for eligible applications.
It’s essential to remember that finding a job isn’t simple. It can take months of actively searching, completing applications, passing screenings and interviews before you ever get an offer. As such, you want to make an informed decision about where you choose to apply. Accepting a job offer without assessing all the factors could result in you ending up back on the job seeker trail once again. Here are some qualities to consider.
Passion And Skills
Some of the happiest employees are people that took positions that align with their passions and skills. When you’re doing something that you love and that accents your strengths, there’s less stress and more productivity. So, consider what your passions are and apply for positions in that industry. Also, review the required skills to ensure they match yours.
Job Duties
When you’re reviewing job descriptions, read the responsibilities in detail. Although learning curves are typical when you start a new job, you don’t want to select something outside your realm of experience or education. Assess your skills and compare them to the list of responsibilities to ensure it’s a good fit. You should also pay attention to the workload. While you may be capable of completing all the tasks, can you do so productively and efficiently? If the position requires more responsibilities than you’re willing to take on, it’s probably best to look for something else.
Salary And Benefits
Of course, you want a job that pays you well for your services. You also want as many employee benefits as you can, as this reduces your out-of-pocket expenses. When you review the salary, don’t forget to factor in deductions for taxes, retirement accounts, union dues, insurance, and other costs. $40,000 a year may sound good until you see your take-home pay in a few weeks.
As for benefits, many job descriptions provide this information for applicants. Employee benefits might include retirement contributions, stock options, paid time off, life, and medical coverage. If you can’t find this information, don’t hesitate to inquire during your interview. If they do and you accept the position, you’ll have all your insurance needs met at an affordable rate.
Company Reputation
Just as you’d do your due diligence when taking out small personal loans, you must evaluate potential employers. You don’t want to end up accepting a job offer only to learn that the employer is horrible. As workplace stress is common and deadly, it’s best to evaluate the reputation of the brand. Start by checking out consumer reviews. They will give you an idea of how the general public feels about the company. If there are any complaints, you may want to rethink your decision, as the company may not last long.
Next, you should check out employee evaluations. Some job boards post this information for you to review before applying. If not, you can always check out the company’s social media page. You’ll find employee reviews and comments listed. You can also get a gauge on how employers value their employees based on posts and events they’ve hosted to show their appreciation.
Accepting an offer on whatever job pops up is the worst thing you can do. Although you might be strapped for cash or anxious to get back into the workforce, the wrong decision could cost you long-term. Your best bet is to hold out until you’ve found a position that encompasses the factors listed above. Narrow down your options, ace the interview, and you’ll be on your way to obtaining the job of your dreams.