Whether you are a recent graduate, seeking new avenues of growth, or looking to make a career pivot, finding an organization that meets your needs can feel like overwhelming. As difficult as it can be, it is important to be smart and discerning when it comes to your next workplace. It might shape the next several years of your life or even change the direction of your entire professional career. While there’s an array of focal points to consider when seeking a new job, we’ve narrowed down the questions you should ask yourself to get at the heart of what you’re looking for.
1. Who’s on your wish list?
Making a wish list is a strategy that’s employed by hiring teams and recruiters around the world. Put together a list of your favorite companies and write down what it is you like about those companies and what specific qualities make their mission so appealing to you. Whether it is forward-thinking marketers, consistent innovation, or a reputation for taking care of their employees, noting these qualities will help you learn to spot similar characteristics in companies you are considering working for.
2. Does company size matter?
This question may be easy to overlook, but size can determine a company’s mode of operation and its broader culture. Do you want to be a part of a large, fast-paced workplace where you are contributing to team projects and working with a number of different employees, or are you looking for a smaller company where you may be given more responsibility and interact with a tighter group of co-workers? Avoid ending up with a company that doesn’t meet your needs by considering your ideal company’s size. Factors such as benefits, culture, and the opportunity for growth sometimes tie back to an organization's size, so doing your research here is key.
3. Is it a culture fit?
Starting a new role, whether remotely or in person can be a big change. Culture is one of the biggest factors that can determine how well you feel at home at a company, but it is also one of the most elusive qualities to get a clear read on without spending time working someplace. To evaluate a company’s culture pay attention to what you observe throughout the interview process and talk to any current employees who you may know. Defining what you are looking for when it comes to company culture is going to play a major role in your overall organizational glee. To gather a better understanding, be sure to ask questions about company culture throughout the interview process, as well as in your own research, as this will help determine if the company could be a successful, long term match.
4.What about work life balance?
Work-life balance is a factor that you’ll want to keep top of mind while the corporate landscape is shifting constantly and companies are moving workforces entirely to work from home. Companies that prioritize employee wellbeing tend to have higher retention and more engaged staff, while companies that are more deadline-driven tend to see employees burnout more quickly. Don’t be afraid to ask questions specific to maintaining boundaries for your personal time:
What paid time off is offered? Do employees actually take advantage of it?
Is flex scheduling an option?
What are the expectations surrounding answering emails or phone calls on the weekend?
Is there a phone service offered so that you don’t have to make business calls using your personal line?
5. Is diversity and inclusion a priority?
In today’s climate, companies are placing increased focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. At 24 Seven, we are passionate about creating inclusive workplaces that value and promote diversity. We know that finding an employer that is truly committed to diverse hiring requires us all to ask important questions. Whether you’ve interviewed or have just begun your search, we recommend researching the companies you’re interested in to see where they stand on this matter and ask your interviewer how DEI policies are upheld across teams.
6. What happens after you're hired? Are there continued opportunities for growth?
In today’s ever-changing job market, keeping your skills sharp is key and you should consider not only what you want in your next workplace, but how your next workplace will prepare you for the rest of your career. Does your potential employer offer educational programs or career development opportunities? Organizations that invest in their employees’ education often end up treating their employees better and creating a more hospitable workplace, so you can enjoy where you work while creating opportunities for the future. While searching for a new job may feel like a full-time job in and of itself, the work will surely pay off.
By defining your company wish list ahead of time, you can be much more methodical in your approach. And when you find an organization that checks all your boxes, you’ll know you’ve made a match. Want more help with your job search? Check out our job search engine, used by digital marketers and freelancers around the world to get connected to job opportunities and companies that are currently hiring!