When I found myself unhappy after a few months at a job and I began actively looking for a new role, I had a much clearer understanding of what I wanted and went about my job search process in totally different way than I had a few years earlier. This time around, I was looking to jump-start my career. I wasn’t just looking for a job and looking for the following things led me happily to my current role.
Whether you’re just starting your career or hoping to move up, here are nine important things to look for in a new job that will lead to growth and happiness.
1. A company that is disrupting an industry
It’s exciting to work for a company that is impacting human progress and has a unique business model that is different from any of its competitors. Why do so many people want to join technology companies or startups nowadays? It’s because it’s exciting to be a part of something that could be huge, and working to make something grow to new heights is empowering.
2. People you want to work with
Work for a company that employs people you respect and who respect you, and one where you’ll be surrounded by people who challenge you to think. Because you spend more of your waking hours at work, look for a place where you can see the people becoming friends beyond just colleagues. That’ll make it fun to come to work every day.
3. The company puts its people, not its bottom line, first
Happy employees lead to greater productivity and retention, which inadvertently leads to greater profit! A paycheck can only go so far; look for a company where the leaders genuinely care about their employees’ well-being.
4. It fits your personality
An employee sinking or swimming is often directly connected to whether the company is the right place for them. What is the office environment? Is it collaborative, or more of an individualist mentality? Figure out what type of company culture you want to be a part of. Tip: Good.Co’s free workplace personality assessment does this for you!
5. You’re excited about the work
Though everyone has off days, strive to work somewhere that you’re excited to get to when you wake up in the morning. Look for a place where you’ll be stimulated and challenged not hand held and where you’ll be encouraged to drive your own projects and ideas. Believe in what the company is doing at its core. You can’t sell, market, or work well with your clients if you aren’t passionate about what the company is doing.
6. The company will help you grow professionally
Look for a company that invests in the growth of its people and gives them the skills to grow into management roles, start their own companies, or whatever your long term goal is. Be sure to ask what professional opportunities are available. Join a place where you feel confident that when you go on to do something else one day, you’ll be equipped with the skills to be successful in whatever you choose.
7. Both vertical and horizontal mobility is promoted
Aim to work somewhere that promotes based on merit, and that encourages you to explore opportunities within the company. It’s not just about growing upwards; it’s also about growing into different roles where you can flex your skills sets.
8. The environment is uplifting
Look for a place the recognizes its employees, in whatever method they can. Whether that’s through awards, merit bonuses, or extra special prizes for success, you’ll appreciate a company that rewards you for your hard work and successes.
9. They promote work/life balance
Work should not only be challenging, but it should be fun. You want to work somewhere that respects your work life balance. At the end of the day, family and friends always come first. Life is too short to spend all your time behind a desk. Make sure your company lets you enjoy the ride too.
Seasoned professionals – do you have advice on other things to look for in a new job? Share in the comments section!
This article was written by Lisa Ganz