What Are You Looking For in an Employer?

As a job seeker, you probably apply to coveted organizations, try to hit up as many networking events as possible, and nurture your online reputation quite a bit. However, have you ever sat down and asked yourself a very important question: What do I want out of an employer?

It’s something you may always ponder in the grand scheme of things, but never really hammer out the details. Understanding what you want out of an employer can help you to pinpoint the right organizations, identify the best roles, and assist with your overall professional happiness.

The next time you’re on the job search, finetune your hunt by narrowing down your musts, what you can do without, and what you’re willing to compromise on. Check out the following tips:

Mission and values

If you’re a big advocate for environmental sustainability, you probably shouldn’t be working for an employer who dumps waste in nearby waterways, right? With that in mind, it’s important to find an organization that not only has a set mission and values, but also values that align with your own. Chances are, if you’re working for an employer that you don’t really believe in, the work you churn out will reflect that.

Tip: Check out the company history, and scour the website for evidence of company culture, values, and past practices. If they have a cause you subscribe to and want to help bring to light, it’s the organization for you.

Work environments

Have you ever thought about the type of work environment you’d thrive in? Some people rock at working from home. Other people do better in office settings. Some like to go, go go, while others focus best in one place at one time. Connecting your ideal work environment to an employer who can provide you with your needs will help you to stay engaged, work better, and produce awesome results.

Tip: If a work environment isn’t described in the job description, reach out to the hiring manager or a member of the organization. They’ll be able to give you a rundown on what to expect should you get the job.

Team dynamic

As with work environments, the people on your team can have a huge influence on how you work. For example, some teams are the “work hard, play hard” type. Other teams separate the two. Leaders can be lenient, while others are micromanagers. Ask yourself which dynamic you’d prefer, and then seek out employers who house the types of teams you’ll work best in.

Tip: A great way to figure this out is to do some research on the company in general. Many websites can provide you with testimonials, and career sites list what it’s like to work at specific companies. Or, conduct a simple sweep of social media platforms to get the insight you need.

Longevity

It’s great if you can find an employer who ticks every box on your checklist. However, there should be one more box to consider before you make your decision: How long will you be there? Some employers have low retention rates, while others have a history of nurturing and promoting employees for the long run. Figure out how long you plan to be with an organization. If employee history doesn’t match your desires, it may be time to look elsewhere.

Tip: Just because an employer has high turnover doesn’t mean it’s a bad place to work. Evaluate why employees are leaving. For instance, an employer may have a revolving team because they hire seasonally.

When you’re looking for a job, it’s important to consider your needs, wants, and what sorts of environments will make you better. Only then will you find the ideal organization and employer for you.

What do you think? What are some other things to consider when searching for the perfect employer in the job search?

Photo courtesy of AJ Cann; Flickr