​M​Since joining Chandler Macleod as a recruiter, I often see candidates who are either putting a lot of pressure on themselves to secure their dream job or who are simply unsure where to start on their job search! Running both a temporary and permanent desk, I encourage candidates to consider a few different options, test the market and most importantly, look for a job that is going to be fulfilling for their current circumstances.

When we think about what makes a job rewarding, it can be tempting to only consider the biggest draw of a role, such as an amazing salary or great company benefits. However, it’s important to be realistic and consider the other aspects that impact the total package. By reflecting on your main priorities, you can provide focus for your job search, whilst also helping your recruitment consultant assist you with finding the right role. Here are the key questions you should consider when seeking a fulfilling job. What Kind of Culture do You Thrive in?

Many candidates I meet with have said that a poor working culture has been a main factor in them deciding to leave a job. Perhaps certain expectations that were laid out in the interview did not come about, or their style of work didn’t necessarily gel with the established structure. Whatever the case, the end result was typically the loss of a business relationship that may have otherwise been lucrative.

It’s easy to focus only on the duties or benefits of a job when initially applying – but remember, the atmosphere at work can have an impact on both your productivity and satisfaction levels, so don’t forget to look at cultural fit as well. It’s important to get a good understanding of the company’s culture before accepting the job, keeping in mind the kind of environment that you tend to thrive in.

Dig around on social media to see what people have to say about the business; you can also find reviews from past and present employees on websites such as Glassdoor.com. This will help you identify the key traits that resonate with what you are looking for – do you feel the company is a supportive environment where success is recognised? Are they offering flexibility/work-life balance?

Be sure to consider the less desirable aspects too – if there are whisperings of negative management styles, a lack of innovation or particularly high employee turnover, it may be time to look elsewhere.

What do You Want to Learn?

The best Business Support candidates will never stop learning in life and in the workplace. Not only that but when you find a job interesting, it’s more likely that you will be fully engaged with a role that challenges and excites you.

To see if a job has the potential to spark that passion, consider if there are any opportunities to develop or advance through the organisation. This is where it will again be useful to tap into social media; check out employees of the company on LinkedIn – have they been given opportunities to grow? Consider their tenure as well; if the majority have been there for a long time, that typically indicates a healthy environment and high job satisfaction.

After your initial research, follow up by asking questions about training and development during the interview. Not only will this give you a further insight into the possibilities that the role may open up for you, but hiring managers love to hear it; these questions tell them that you’re genuinely interested in the jobband are planning a long-term future with their company.

What are Your Non-Negotiables?

When looking for the next move in your career, take the opportunity to step back and think about where you are in your life and how that fits with your career goals. Different people will weigh factors differently, so don’t worry about comparing yourself to others; just focus on outlining your own ‘must-haves’ for a job before you apply, while also noting the ones you can be flexible with if necessary.

Here are some common aspects to consider:

1)     Lifestyle – Top priorities such as your hobbies, people and recreation.

2)     Personal – Finances, location (is there parking, or do you need to rely on public transport?) and flexibility. If you need part-time hours, make it clear why and what is going to work for you.

3)     Professional – Are you looking for a people-faced role? Do you want to work in a particular sector, such as for a non-profit organisation? Do you value independence at work or would you rather be part of a team?

When you know what you want and what you can bend on, you can make more informed applications and increase your likelihood of finding job satisfaction.

Summary

Although you should always do your research, finding a fulfilling job comes down to defining your own goals, expectations and needs. Don’t put too much pressure on finding your dream job right off the bat – after all, there may be a lot of opportunities available that you haven’t even thought of! Have a conversation with your recruitment consultant about what you are looking for, and they can help guide you in the right direction.

For more career advice or to find out about the best Business Support jobs in NZ, feel free to get in touch with me.