It can be challenging enough searching and applying for your ideal role. Especially in a time like this. For most of us, the digital job search begins with a keyword search for your ideal job title, industry or salary.
We essentially wait for vacancies to appear, review the spec and then worry about the potential employer.
But what if we actually started with the company? Who you work for contributes enormously to your overall job satisfaction and wellbeing at work.
Here are five tips to identify the best employer for you.
1. INDUSTRY
The types of industries that you will suit working for will depend on your profession. For example, some roles exist across a variety of sectors, like; HR, marketing, and finance. Yet, other professions and skilled workers are limited to working for the same kind of organisations, such as; engineers, solicitors and accountants.
If your career allows you to be more flexible with regards to who you can work for, then consider how the industry will impact on your working life.
Is it a B2B (business to business) or B2C (business to consumer) company? Will your role be supporting your company in-house, or will you be in a customer-facing position supporting clients or consumers?
2. LOCATION
Inevitably, candidates located in rural or remote areas experience greater limitations when finding ideal roles. If you’d be happy to relocate, this is less of an issue. But, if you are tied to an area, look at what organisations are commutable and accessible to you.
3. BENEFITS
Some people believe that candidates are willing to accept a slightly lower salary for the right benefits. But this is only true if the employee benefits save on a worker’s finances in other ways and enhance their personal lives.
Nowadays, any competitive business wanting to attract the best talent will offer benefits, so think about what benefits will make a real difference to you.
While remote and flexible working has been incredibly gratified by workers during the pandemic; not all companies endorse it or can provide it as an option due to the nature of the business. Would this matter to you?
What about annual leave?
Do their schemes and discounts even apply to you? Childcare vouchers and company cars are only valuable to you if you have children and drive!
Depending on the seniority or level of your ideal role, you should be looking for companies that invest in employee upskilling and provide training opportunities.
4. CULTURE
Truthfully, this is subjective and can only be ascertained by experiencing it yourself. Nevertheless, there are strong indicators of a company’s culture.
For example, there will be quite significant differences towards a well-established company and a new start-up. A well experienced professional may be looking for a company in its infancy to help grow it and make their mark.
Similarly, company size is another consideration. Do you prefer a quieter environment or do you enjoy the bustle of a busy workplace?
Check out the business’ accreditations. Have they been awarded the industry standards? What about ‘best place to work’ prizes?
A significant company factor when ascertaining the culture of a business is employee retention. A long-established company with a high turnover of staff strongly implies dissatisfaction and a negative environment.
5. ONLINE PRESENCE
How does this company present themselves online? What are they doing to stand out in whatever field they’re in? Are they trying to attract candidates?
Ascertain as much information online about a potential employer as you can. Review their website, social media and PR coverage to discover what messages are they putting out there.
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Whether you apply for a vacant job or reach out to a company about future roles, by developing a good opinion of a company before applying to work for them, you can really fuel your motivation and improve on your application.