How do you judge the jobs that you apply for? You may think this is a strange question. Jobs are, afterall, in shortage compared to job seekers.
But the shortage is changing. More would-be job seekers are choosing to freelance. In addition, in a post COVID-19 world, companies are likely to re-assess their full time contracts and turn to part-time, consulting, or freelance roles to fulfill job roles.
So assessing your potential employer can either set you on the path of an uninspiring and potentially risky 9-5 or a fulfilling and potentially lucrative career.
Here are three areas to consider when you assess your next potential employer. We assume you will be assessing jobs or sectors that you are already interested in working in.
1. Care for human capital
Does your potential employer seem to actually care for you as a talented individual?
This level of care can give you an insight on how much attention, time and investment they would put behind their work force. Some indicators to assess how much they care are as follows:
- The job description includes future growth possibilities for the role.
- The role is situated in a team with transparent leadership.
- Your questions are always answered, whether on email, phone or during the interview.
- They show genuine interest and attention in building your career.
- Customer opinions of the company are clear and transparent.
2. Job integrity
Does the job look and sound like what the potential employer says it is?
Sometimes jobs start out as entry level but quickly pick up responsibility without prior notification or planning, leaving both the employee and the employer frustrated. Here are some indicators that the employer is going to stay true to the job role:
- Overall company goals are crisp.
- Goals of the potential job role are also clear and relate to overall company goals.
- The role directly or indirectly connects with improvements in people’s lives.
- The role covers specific measurable tasks.
- There is an open discussion about the short and long term path of the role.
3. Operational zeal
Can you understand how the employer and other teams are organised and function on a day to day basis?
If this isn’t clear, then it’s a good idea to ask about it. These are some prompts to help you think about your potential employer’s operational zeal:
- You get the sense that the role and your potential colleagues are entrepreneurial.
- They respond to your job application.
- You are introduced to various people in the company, including people outside your potential area of work.
- Your interview starts on time.
- They are open about contractual terms during the offer.
- Discussions about your time are open and flexible.
- Costs that you accrue as a result of your job can be expensed.
You have options for where to invest your skills today. Ensuring that a job is the best place to serve and grow your skills is an important decision. It’s not the only option, but if you choose to pursue it, don’t forget that you need to make it work for you!
