With the unemployment rate at a 6 year low, many top candidates are now receiving multiple job offers – allowing them to be more selective when making their final decision.  As a result, if you find yourself in such a position, don’t make the mistake of accepting a job without properly assessing if the company is a good fit for you by defaulting to the job that pays the most.  So, other than salary, what should you be looking for?

Work Environment

Given the fact that an average person spends approximately 40+ hours at work a week, a company’s work environment should play a significant role in deciding whether it is a good match for you.  A company’s work environment is made up of a variety of factors such as the layout of the office, your relationship with your potential co-workers, and how the office operates on a daily basis.  Therefore, to ensure a good fit, it’s important to make sure all these factors are in line with your values and what you want from a company.  A positive work environment should make you feel comfortable, encourage productivity, and keep you motivated.  Not only will this keep you happy at your job, but it will also promote professional growth.

Company Culture

Every company has different values and it’s key to find a company whose values are in line with your own.   Do you seek a good work life balance?  A strong team spirit? Or ongoing training and classes?  These are all questions you will want to ask yourself to assess if a company is a good fit for you.  For example, if you want a good work life balance, but the operating hours would have you working 12 hours a day, the company may not be the best fit.

In order to get a glimpse into the company’s culture, do some research by taking a look at the company’s website and reading through the “About Us” section as well as reviewing their social media accounts.  Another great resource is Glassdoor.com, as it allows you to read employee reviews and get an inside scoop of what it’s like to work for the company.  However, be sure to take these reviews with a grain of salt since they can be posted anonymously. 

Personal Growth Opportunities

Growth potential should be at the forefront of your mind when assessing if a company is right for you.  Therefore, it’s important to do your due diligence to properly assess any room for growth at each company you’re considering working for.

For example, a good indicator that a company is willing to invest in your growth is if they offer training or continuing education classes.  In addition, if your job description entails learning new skills and software, this is another sign that the company encourages their employees to keep their skills up-to-date.

Advancement Opportunities

Any potential advancement opportunities should also be an important consideration when choosing one company over another.  For example, you want to work for a company that will help push your career forward, not at one that would stagnate your growth and make you less marketable for any future job opportunities.  In order to gauge any potential advancement opportunities, ask your hiring manager questions regarding advancement in the firm.  For example, questions about the typical career path for someone in your role and the different options for advancement are important to ask.  When making a decision, it’s crucial to educate yourself on any advancement opportunities, so you know which job is in line with your future career goals.