Whether you are new to the workforce or are exploring a mid-career transition, it is important to understand what will make your prospective job pleasant, engaging, and satisfying. Finding a job that perfectly aligns with your goals, skill set, and temperament can be a meaningful change. With that in mind, below are five key elements to focus on as you consider what your next role will be.

1. Company culture

Culture could be the single most important thing to consider in terms of personal happiness at the office. The fact is every single business organization is associated with a distinct culture that transcends the sum of its parts. The key is to determine whether that culture is the right fit for you.

It is important to understand what you are looking for and then do your homework. For example, do you enjoy a collaborative office environment, or do you prefer to work individually? Is work/life balance a priority? Do you value a culture that offers opportunities for advancement? Whatever the case may be, make sure to do some research in advance, and do not be afraid to ask your interviewer and/or current employees about their perspectives.

2. Leadership

It has been said that even the most boring job can be made tolerable with good leadership. Conversely, even the best job can become an unenjoyable experience if you do not agree with your manager.

With that in mind, it may be wise to learn as much as possible about the individual you will report to in the new role. What kind of leadership style do they subscribe to? What is their reputation around the office? Will they micro-manage your work, or are they more hands-off? These are important questions to answer before committing to any position.

3. Job Responsibilities

Let us discuss the "nuts and bolts" of the job itself. First, it is critical to determine whether you have the technical skillset to handle the duties associated with the position. If your strengths do not align with the tasks you will be responsible for, it may be best for you to pursue other opportunities.

Beyond that, think about your personality and temperament. Will you be able to enjoy the type of work involved in the role? For example, an outgoing person may find great satisfaction in being a sales rep but may shudder at the thought of crunching numbers all day as a bookkeeper. Of course, most people also want to be challenged and learn new things during their work. 

4. Work/life balance

A few people live to work, but most of us work to live. That said, adequate work/life balance is especially important to many individuals looking for a new role. However, your idea of work/life balance may be quite different from someone else's.

Again, you will need to do your due diligence and find out the scheduling demands. For instance, is remote work an option? Is there flexibility for attending family events, taking care of medical appointments, or even taking the occasional mental health break?

5. Compensation

Finally, it is vital to dig into the compensation associated with the role. Is the pay competitive for the market (locally, nationally, and/or globally)? More importantly, is it within the range you need? Would your salary be commensurate with your experience and skill set?

In addition, you should look beyond dollars and focus on the total compensation package being offered. What are the insurance benefits, 401(k) options, paid time off, and so forth? In some cases, people are willing to work for lower wages because of an employer's awesome benefits package. Of course, preferences differ.

Lutz Talent Can Help!

In summary, you must take time to evaluate what is important to you in your next role. It may be an innovative idea to sit down and make a priority list of your top five needs in a new role and then stick firmly to that during your job search. If you have any questions, please contact us, or learn more about our Lutz Talent services for job candidates here.