Employment Spot

Criteria for Choosing Your Perfect Job

After the job search, interviews and multiple job offers, there are many decisions to be made. Granted, choosing between job offers is a nice problem to have, but this decision should not be made lightly or on limited criteria. Most people look first to salary and make a hasty and poorly considered decision based only on this. While salary is important, of course, future employees should think about other factors. While the salary of one offer may be more than another, the company may be farther from your home or offer fewer benefits. Consult this list before making any decisions.

· Location, location, location. This expression may seem trite, but it’s true. Location is everything. Consider public transportation options between your home and prospective workplace. Taking public transportation between home and work helps reduce the time you spend in traffic and the money you waste on gas. Plus, having some time to sit on the train or subway in the morning means you can nap or have your morning coffee and newspaper in peace, rather than sitting behind the wheel of your car.

· Perks. Every company provides some kind of perks. Unfortunately, some are much better than others. Some companies have attached day care centers for working parents or gyms on site. Other companies provide cars to their employees. Contact someone in Human Resources at your potential workplace and inquire about what they offer to their employees. Specify which position you may be taking and get information about which perks will be available to you.

· Advancement. Some lucky college graduates get first jobs out of school that make them a lot of money. Unfortunately, these positions may not have much room for advancement. What seems like a lot of money at 22 or 23 probably won’t look the same at 30, 40 or 50. When considering job offers, look at the company structure and think about whether you could see yourself as a manger or executive. Ask about leadership potential in your interviews to help gauge the atmosphere. Which position will look better on a resume if you decide to pursue other career paths in a few years?

· Security. Younger employees may not need to worry about job security as much as someone nearing retirement, but everyone should think about this before accepting an offer. In interviews you should always be asking about the future direction or goals of a company, but if you neglected to do this, do some research. Look up the company’s competitors and see how they are doing. Check news articles for updates on the growth or decline of a company. You do not want to hop on board with an organization that cannot support you long term.

· Environment. If you can visit an office before accepting a position there, excellent. Workplaces vary widely. Some employees work outdoors while others spend all day in small offices. Consider the noise level of the office, the mood of the employees you meet and the camaraderie of the overall company. Do employees acknowledge each other in the hallways? Is the workplace in an urban or suburban environment? Are the workspaces clean and spare or do employees put up personal affects? These are all considerations to make. You do not want to work in an environment where you will not maximize your productivity or where you will feel overwhelmed with noise and distractions.

· Benefits. Not all health care packages are created equal. The same is true for 401(k) incentives. This is an important consideration when determining the overall worth of your employment. Compare what companies offer in 401(k) matches and add that to the overall salary offer. If you are looking into jobs that include commission, look at the rates and potential earning capability.

· The Boss. Often, the person who hires you will not be your supervisor. This is especially true of entry level positions or in companies that are very large. If you can arrange an opportunity to meet your potential boss before accepting an offer, do so. You may be surprised at his or her demeanor or attitude. Any immediate red flags could tip you off to the next few years of your life working with this person. Additionally, establishing a rapport with a prospective supervisor can allay any concerns you have about taking a job.

· Is It What You Want? If you must make the choice between more money or doing what you love, always take lots of time to make this decision. Working with animals in a zoo may be your lifelong passion, but taking a job as a corporate accountant could offer a higher salary. Your family obligations could be an obstacle, but make every effort to take your dream job when it is offered. Doing what you love is almost priceless.