Find the place that’s right for you with the Four C’s!
When job hunting, it’s easy to get caught up in convincing employers of what you can do for them. The job market is competitive and it’s normal to fear losing out on a good opportunity. But what the company can do for you is just as important. An effective relationship between an organization and its employees is symbiotic. Before you commit to an offer, think through the four C’s and decide if it really is a good fit.
Company and culture:
The values, behaviors, beliefs and norms that characterize the organization make up company or organizational culture. This culture is expressed through the words and behaviors of each employee.
A high salary and great benefits can be tempting, but neither will make you happy if you’re working for a company that has values inconsistent with your own. Would you feel as though you’re working for an unethical company? Would you feel like you’re making a positive impact? For most, this is an important part of job satisfaction.
Environment is also a consideration. Do you feel happier and more motivated in an office with large windows and lots of natural light or could you not care less about the office space? Do you work better with lots of guidance or with more autonomy? Do you want to work in a setting with lots of watercooler chat or would you rather always stay on task?
You can easily find out a little about the company culture by asking your interviewer a few questions, such as:
- What three words or phrases would you use to describe the company or department culture?
- Does the company have a code of ethics?
- How does the company recognize employee accomplishments?
Career path:
It’s important to ask yourself, “Will this position help you to achieve your career goals?”
How long do employees typically hold the same position? What advancement opportunities can you expect? Will it enhance your skills and better prepare you for climbing the career ladder? A job which doesn’t offer you opportunity for advancement—or isn’t even in the field or department you want to work in—is probably not a good fit.
Compensation:
This seems like a given, but negotiating compensation can be tricky. Many people find it an awkward business, but you owe it to yourself to ensure that you are getting just as much back from the company as you’re putting in.
Other types of compensation besides base pay—such as bonuses, vacation time, stock options, travel allowances, and benefits like medical, dental, and insurance—should also be taken into consideration.
Commute:
Commute time is a factor that is often overlooked when considering a job, or at least it is often undervalued. But it’s important. A long commute might seem worth it initially, but maybe not after a few weeks or months. Depending on your area, there might be heavy rush hour traffic or other things to consider. You’ll need to ask yourself three questions: Can you afford the associated costs? Will it take up a lot of your free time? Is the trade-off—the time and cost of the commute compared to the potential job benefits—worth it?
Sometimes it feels like a potential job is the right one, but if you’re at all concerned about making the right choice, ask yourself these questions and reevaluate.
If you’re still looking for a position that will help you to achieve your short and long-term goals, contact the expert recruiters at Talent Bridge. We’re committed to helping you find the right fit.