It may not always seem like it, but the employee-business relationship is exactly as the name states: a relationship. Just as an introvert may have trouble hanging out with an extrovert, much of a professional relationship’s success boils down to chemistry and each party offering something of value.
The key difference is, unlike the social world (save for some pretty weird people), you’re allowed to have pretty specific demands and essentially meet in the middle with a contractual obligation.
Companies know what’s right for them, and they aren’t afraid to tell you, so finding out what’s right for you not only helps you become a higher qualified candidate, you’ll increase your chances of having a great job.
Let’s start by finding out what you value the most in a workplace. Take some time and really dig deep, then write them down.
Here’s an example, starting with the more obvious and branching out:
Health insurance
Vacation time
Flexible hours, or at least clock watchers
Room for growth
Close to home
Open, collaborative atmosphere
People you can think of as friends, not just co-workers
The feeling of acceptance and encouragement
And just as quick as we’ve started, we’ve finished. Who would have thought it could be so easy? Once your list is done it’s important to keep two things in mind.
First, it’s rare for companies to meet every one of these requirements. If they do, stop reading this and make some phone calls. You’re getting that job if it’s the last thing you do. But keep an open mind on what’s important and what you’re willing to budge on. Maybe it’s a bit of a commute and vacation is three days for the first year, but a room full of laid back people your age who are eager to see you grow will more than makeup for the time missed at home.
Second, stick to the list. Even at the lowest, darkest point of the hunt, a bad job is a bad job. Long hours in a dead-end job will actually do more harm than another few weeks of sending applications.
Those who are fresh out of school often believe they’re at the mercy of their employer. It’s important to remember they need fresh, trainable talent just as much as you need that first job. Negotiating two weeks paid vacation and a 9-3 workday might be out of the question, but so is missing out on important benefits.
Knowing what you want in a company is easy, but finding them can sometimes present a whole new challenge. If you’re looking for the perfect workplace, join Monikl today.
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