What Should I Look for in My Next Job?

A job search can be an emotional roller coaster. Feelings of excitement, such as when you find a job that’s a great fit, or get an email to schedule a phone interview, are sometimes met with the disappointment of being denied or never getting a reply to your application. Nevertheless, the prospect of a new opportunity is generally positive and can even be fun.

But you don’t want just any old job. After all, you’re you! You have “a very particular set of skills, skills you have acquired over a very long career” (5 points if you can name the movie).

Thousands of new jobs are created each month, so surely there must be one that’s a great fit for you. But to find it, you first need to define your terms.

Sadly, many people’s job search terms are written on a short list that just says “I want more money”. We think this mindset is short-sighted and can lead to problems that can’t be solved with a higher income alone.

“But I’m working to make money”, you might say. And you’re right. But you don’t go out to dinner just to indulge in appetizers (unless you’re at Olive Garden - those breadsticks…). There is an entire meal, and experience, to enjoy. Your job should be similar.

Money is a big piece of the puzzle for most job seekers - we won’t deny it. It enables us to do many of the things we want, and need, to do in life. But have you ever worked in a job that extends itself beyond your shift?

Maybe you’ve had to work on a document or send an email late at night. Maybe you’ve had no choice but to bring work stress home with you at the end of the day. Maybe your boss or client calls at inappropriate hours, expecting you to cater to their every whim or meet an unrealistic deadline.

If any of those scenarios affect you, we recommend you really look inward before starting your job search. Money isn’t everything and many people have worked their lives away because they couldn’t find a sense of balance. Here are some other factors to consider when looking for your next role:

1. Total compensation: Other than your paycheck, what are the quantifiable benefits you would like to receive? Would you like to have company-sponsored healthcare (medical, dental, vision, etc.) benefits? If not, what’s your plan for getting or keeping healthcare coverage on your own? Do you have a 401k/are you looking for a company that will match a percentage of your contribution? Are there any other nice-to-haves (commuter benefits, employee discounts, tuition reimbursement, etc.) that you’d like?

2. Work-life balance: For an employee’s overall wellness, this may be the most important consideration. How much time do you expect to spend working? Are you interested in working from home, or commuting to an office or another location? How long is your ideal commute? What could you be using that time for otherwise? Would you like the work day to be over when you clock out for the day, or are you okay being “on call” at all hours? What about paid time off (PTO) - do you need it? If so, how much?

3. Culture fit: It’s sometimes just a figure of speech, but many managers still hire people they would “like to have a beer with”. Regardless of your stance on beer, people work with people they like. This part requires a bit of introspection - what kind of person do you get along with? Seek others who complement you personally and professionally. It can be tempting to settle into a job that doesn’t feel like a great personality fit just because of a paycheck, but this can often lead to resentment and wasted time. Life’s short!

4. Upward mobility: While some people appreciate the simplicity of a job where they perform a given task and then leave and collect a paycheck, for others, the ideal job is one where they can get involved and challenge themselves to contribute to something bigger than them. Think about the future - where do you see yourself in one year? Three years? Five, ten, twenty years? Try to align this vision with your job search. It can be much more satisfying to work in a place where hard work is rewarded with accolades, promotions, or raises.

Believe it or not, searching within yourself can be easier with help. Try talking to the people who know you best - significant other, mentor, family, friends, etc. - about your situation. Sometimes another person’s perspective can be powerful in opening your mind to a new idea or realization.

We hope this short list helps as well. For more help in planning your job search, keep CareerPulse in mind. Our certified writers have years of experience in the hiring industry, and can help you hone in on exactly what you’re looking for in your next job.