Career Resources

Career Resources

It Is Not All About Money

Posted August 14, 2013 & filed under Job Search

It Is Not All About Money

Do you want to know what people consider when looking for a new job? What are the factors making them want to stay in their current position? Obviously, there is one thing that sticks in our minds no matter what- money. Of course a good salary probably tops the list, but here are some other factors to consider.

Growth and advancement are two of the top factors people consider in a position. Applicants want to know what opportunities will be available for them in the future. They want to know if their education will pay off; will they be able to put their skills to the test? At some point, you should be able to move up in your company.

Job security is another important factor when looking at a new position. Sure, you can get promotions, but is the company stable? Are they doing well financially? Checking the stock markets can help your decision. Find out the company’s turnover rate; if a company has a high turnover, then it might be best to take that company with a grain of salt. High turnover rates could be caused by a bad working environment, employees who aren’t moving up within the company, or boredom. Last, make sure there is going to be a long-term need for your position.

Ah…benefits. This may be the single most important factor (even above salary) people look for when applying for a new job. A lot of companies have a 30 to 90 day wait period before benefits start. Can you wait that long? Benefits can be anything from healthcare to maternity pay. Companies can provide any of the following: medical, dental, vision, vacation days, sick days, tuition reimbursement, holiday PTO, profit sharing, 401k, pension, and disability. Many applicants consider things like what healthcare provider the company uses (Anthem, United Healthcare, etc…) and how much it costs. These factors really can persuade a person to go one way or another.

Beyond benefits, some companies also offer perks as part of praising their employees. Recognition is another very important factor that applicants look for, from a company. They just want simple recognition. Different companies offer perks such as company cars, gift certificates, raises, bonuses, free trips and travel, lunch allowance, and discounts to certain stores and restaurants. Perks are not always a huge priority, but can be a nice “extra” to consider.

The working environment and comfort level are also big factors that keep employees at their current job, and are definitely something they consider when looking for a new position. Your relationship with your colleagues is important. The conditions in which you work should be comfortable. Of course everyone has their rough days, but your colleagues shouldn’t add to it. If you are interviewing in private, ask the employer to take you on a quick tour, so you can get a feel for the environment. If you sense the working environment is hostile, then you better think twice!

The last things that really affect an applicant’s decision (and should definitely be a consideration) are workload and valued input. Is your workload going to be too heavy? Do you feel it will be too light and make you bored? You should have an idea of the amount of responsibilities that you want. Many applicants look at the amount of input and responsibilities they are going to have, and they try to judge the employer on whether it will be valued. Your relationship with management is important. If they won’t accept your ideas, consider them, or even hear you out, will that be something to make you stray away? Be sure to get a feel for the management during your interview.

When you choose to look for a new position, or when you’re considering the pros and cons of your current position; be sure to think about what factors you want/need. From promotions to benefits, it is safe to say that it is not all about the money.

 

By: Kaitlin Daniel