What to Look For in a New Job

Searching for a new job can be an emotional roller coaster. There's an uncertainty that comes with looking for a new job that can be stressful. It's often easier to list what you DON'T want in a job than it is to know what you're really looking for, and what will make you happy. Here are seven questions that you should ask yourself when you're starting to look for a new job.

1. Why are you leaving your current position?

This is often the easiest question for most job seekers to answer. People can usually list their dislikes off the top of their head. Common reasons why employees leave their job include low compensation, feeling undervalued, no opportunities for advancement, lack of professional development, and poor leadership.

When you decide to move on from your current position, it’s important that you also maintain a positive mindset. Use this time to reassess, take stock, and think about the things you enjoyed most about your last job. Think about what you’d like to do going forward, and not just what you would like to leave behind. 

2. What’s most important to you in a new job?

Everyone is motivated by a combination of different things, and now is a great time to get your priorities in order. Whether you’re more focused on a getting a higher salary, advancing in your career to a leadership role, or finding a job with a good training program, it’s important to know what’s most important before diving into the job search.

3. What kind of company do you want to work for?

When you’re deciding what kind of company is the right fit for you, it can all come down to personal preference. The important thing is knowing what you want, as the type of company you work for will impact your job satisfaction.

• Company Culture
  The culture of your new working environment will impact your happiness and enjoyment. Spend time thinking about the culture at your ideal employer. Does the company hold values that align to yours? Does the company invest in its talent and create pathways for career progression? Remember that company culture is not whether there's a foosball table in the break room or if complimentary snacks are provided.
  
  
• Team
  An important aspect to look for in a job is how the team at your ideal job functions. If you perform best when given full autonomy and the tools and resources to do your job, you will likely want to stay away from a company that operates by stringent guidelines. Consider what you need most in a team. Do you want to be part of a team that supports and communicates well with each other? Do you want to be part of a team that knows how to balance hard work and fun?

4. What do you want your working hours to be?

A 2021 report from Indeed discovered that over half of all job seekers say the ability to work flexible hours is one of the most important things to look for in a job. With remote and hybrid work becoming the preferred work model for many, job seekers are turning down job offers that don't offer this kind of flexibility. Determine whether in-office work or remote or hybrid work is the ideal work scenario for you.

5. What benefits are most important to you?

Most companies offer some form of benefits package, and for many job seekers, this can often be the deciding factor when it comes to accepting a new job. We recently polled nearly 100 professionals like yourself to find out what motivated them to consider leaving their job and start searching for something new. The number one reason that surveyors chose was inadequate benefits. Whether it’s flexible working hours, paid time off, or a generous bonus, consider what benefits matter most to you.

6. Are your skills up to date?

Before you move into a new role, it could be a good idea to take some time to self-assess, and consider how your skills fare within the current market place. Updating your skills won’t just make you more employable, but will demonstrate a pro-active mentality and enthusiasm for keeping up with industry trends. Our team at Progressive ensure to keep up to date with market trends, are on hand to offer advice as to the best ways of making sure your skills are up to date.

7. Do you want opportunities for skills growth?

Falling into complacency and not feeling challenged are a leading cause of employee churn. Several studies have shown that providing opportunities for professional development actually leads to greater retention and overall job satisfaction. So, before submitting that application, research the company and see if you can find out what kind of skills training is offered to employees. If the company has a LinkedIn profile, take a look at what they have been posting. If the company invests in its talent, it's likely that they will have shared information on social media that provides a glimpse into what it's like working for them.

Everyone looks for something different from a new job; some want a new challenge, others want more money. The most important thing is that you’re clear what you’re looking for and are armed with the information to find the role that’s right for you. When you’re ready to take that next step, we're here to help.