The economy is starting to boom and economic predictions indicate that 2021 could be the strongest year since 1984! Some industries are having difficulty finding qualified workers and others are engaging in bidding wars to try to entice employees to make the switch. It may be tempting to jump at an opportunity that arises especially if the position includes a higher income.
However, Revision Resume suggests you slow down before you accept the first opening you see. Consider the following:
Evaluate your options
The first option may not be the best one. Be sure to spend some time looking to see what is available and ensuring that the job you choose is the perfect fit. You don't want to regret your decision a few months down the line.
Often people see dollar signs and just react. Take a moment and a deep breath. Make sure this is the offer you really want.
Consider long-term, not just short-term
Will this job provide the opportunity for advancement? Begin with the end in mind when evaluating a potential position. Don't just look at the next 6 months but consider 2 to 5 years down the line. Will you still be happy with your decision to accept this job? Do you see future promotions? Is this an environment that will be enjoyable to work in long-term or will it cause burnout?
Often prospective employees consider the following besides just salary:
Is mentoring provided?
Will they invest in you as an employee through training and development?
Will the job be challenging?
Does the company provide incentives or show appreciation to employees?
How does the team work together? Do you like their style of communication? Do they seem to respect each other?
Does the company's mission align with your values?
Look at the entire job offer package
Job satisfaction is based on more than just salary. Think through the entire package being offered including:
Health insurance
What is the cost of the health insurance per paycheck?
High deductible or co-pay plan?
Dental insurance
What percentage of dental costs are covered? 50%, 60%, 80%
Vacation Time
How much vacation will you get when you start and how does it increase with years of service?
Can you schedule vacation whenever you want or do you have to work with your team so that not everyone is vacationing simultaneously?
Is sick time part of your vacation or a separate bank?
How many company holidays are offered?
Mental health benefits
Is this part of the health insurance or a separate benefit?
Work-life balance
Are you expected to be able to respond 24/7 or does your day end when you leave the office?
How are family issues (such as a sick child) handled?
Work Location
100% in the office
100% remote
Hybrid
Expectation of hours per week
Should you anticipate a 40 hour work week or a 60 hour work week?
Do they require mandatory overtime?
Hours each day
Does a typical day start at 6am, 7am, 8am? When does it end?
Consider a career change
Now might be a good time to consider a career change. You may find it easier to land a job that is outside of your current field during this time of economic growth in the U.S. Is there something you have always wanted to do? Are you happy on your current career path or would you like to jump to a different track?
Again, we suggest you begin with the end in mind. Think about where you want to be 5 or 10 years from now and you may find it is something completely different than what you are doing now. Look into what steps you would need to take to make that jump.
Final Thoughts
Taking the time to think through these details will benefit you in multiple ways. First, you won't end up taking a job you regret. It will also help you focus your job search appropriately. This will save you time applying for jobs that you don't really want. Communicating your specific desires to your resume writer at Revision Resume will help them craft you a stellar resume that gets you noticed!
Slow down to self-reflect and really consider what you want now and in the future. If you aren't sure how to get started on your job quest, feel free to reach out to Revision Resume and we would be happy to help!
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