When looking for a new job, you must take the time to consider all of your options. After all, this is a big decision, and it’s important that you go into it with a clear understanding of what you want. So, what should you be thinking about as you evaluate potential new opportunities?
1. Ensure the Job Is a Good Fit for Your Skillset
The first thing you should do is ensure that the job is a good fit for your skillset. After all, you want to be sure that you’re applying for a role that you’re qualified for. Otherwise, you’re likely to either get rejected outright or end up in a position that’s not a good match for your abilities.
Take the time to carefully read the job listing and compare it to your skills and experience. If you’re a good fit, then go ahead and apply. If not, move on to the next opportunity. Remember, it’s better to spend a little extra time finding the perfect role than to end up in a job that’s not a good fit.
2. Consider the Company’s Culture
The next thing you should think about is the company’s culture. After all, you will be spending a lot of time at work, so it’s important that you feel like you fit in with the company culture. Otherwise, you’re likely to be unhappy in your new position.
One of the things you should evaluate when considering the company’s culture is its work hours. Do they adhere to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938, which requires that employees be paid time and a half for any hours worked over 40 in a week? If not, you may want to think twice about taking the job.
Of course, there are other aspects of company culture to consider, such as its values and how they align with your own. If you can find a company whose culture matches who you are, you’re likely to be much happier in your new role.
3. Consider the Sustainability of the Job
Finally, you should think about the sustainability of the job. After all, you don’t want to find yourself in a position that will not be around for very long.
There are a few things you can do to evaluate the sustainability of a potential new role. First, take a look at the company’s financials. Are they in good shape? Are they growing or shrinking? This can give you a good idea of the company’s long-term prospects.
You should also think about the role itself. Is it in an industry that’s likely to experience growth in the coming years? Or is it in an industry that’s in decline? For example, according to industry statistics, oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico currently employ 10,000 to 12,500 individuals. This means that the oil rig industry is a good bet for long-term sustainability.
4. Make Sure the Salary Is Competitive
You’ll also want to make sure that the salary is competitive. After all, you don’t want to end up being underpaid for your new role.
To evaluate the competitiveness of a potential new job’s salary, research salaries for similar positions in your area. This will give you a good idea of what you should be paid for the role. You can also use salary calculators to get a more specific idea of what you should be earning based on your skills and experience.
5. Ensure It’s a Place You Can Perform Your Best
To evaluate this, think about the resources that the company is willing to provide. You also want to check if you will be given enough time to complete your tasks. For example, researchers studying IT and accounting professionals at the University of California, Irvine, discovered that employees switched their focus from one project to another every 10.5 minutes, on average. This constant task-switching can lead to burnout, so you’ll want to ensure that you won’t be expected to do this in your new role.
All of these factors are important to consider when you’re looking for a new job. By taking the time to think about them, you can be sure that you find a role that’s the right fit for you.
