تدوينات EOI

Finding the right job is an important decision that can help you find professional success long term. The right job can help you enjoy a good work-life balance, solid pay and opportunities for growth. When faced with multiple job opportunities, you may want to consider many factors to make an informed choice. In this article, we discuss why it's important to find the right for you and what factors to consider when choosing a job.

Why is it important to learn how to know which job is right for you?

Your job can be one of the largest factors in your overall happiness in life. An average full-time job fills a large portion of your time and includes your commute, extended hours and work trips. When you spend that much time at your job, it's important to like what you do.

The benefits you receive also extend beyond your time at the workplace. Finding a job that is emotionally and professionally satisfying is a key element of living a happy life. When you feel good about the work you are doing every day, it can be easier and more enjoyable to go to work.

Tips for narrowing down jobs where you are applying

One way to approach your job search efficiently is to focus and narrow down the list of places where you are applying. Taking the time to ensure that you are applying to places where you actually want to work and are actually likely to hire you may be time better spent than just applying to as many openings as possible. When considering where you would like to work, weigh in on the following:

What you liked and didn't like at your last job

One of the best ways to know what you enjoy and what you don't like in a job is to look at your prior experience. Basing your targets for your next job on the real-world experience you already have can help you find potential roles that better suit you. Consider what you liked, such as your responsibilities or projects, and review each job description to see if there are any matching elements.

Your professional qualifications

When posting jobs, it is common for an employer to include the minimum requirements for a position. Although a company may consider you even if you don't fit all of the requirements, you might save time by only applying for jobs that you're qualified for.

Your personal needs

Work-life balance is an important factor that can impact your satisfaction. When reviewing each job, research the company and learn more about the culture and environment. Read job reviews from current and previous employees to see how they evaluate the work-life balance, which can help you determine if the potential role is right for your personal and professional needs.

Tips for choosing between two jobs

Beyond the bigger points such as qualifications and personal needs as described above, the finer details that differ between job can end up determining factors. These tips can help you make a decision when choosing between the final job opportunities on your shortlist:

Compare the measurable differences

The first way to compare the two different offers is to look at the structural differences in the positions. The compensation you would receive, the hours you would work, the responsibilities and the people you could work with are all important factors in determining which offer can provide you with the most enjoyable experience. Try to find as much information as you can about the salary and responsibilities by reviewing the posting and researching companies' websites.

Consider your family

When choosing between jobs, you may want to see what your friends and loved ones want. Taking a job that requires relocation, for example, could have a large impact on the lives of your family.

Ask for advice

You can also seek the advice of those that you trust to see which job they think matches you better. Friends and family are a great option for discussing the suitability of one job versus another, as they know you well and care about your best interests. A professional mentor can be an excellent option because their experience and expertise in the field can help point you in the direction of the job that offers more for you professionally.

Key factors for determining the best job for you

There are many considerations to keep in mind when determining the best job for you that go beyond what is listed in the description. For example, some jobs require early hours or a lot of interaction with people. These may be appealing for some people and unpleasant for others. For this reason, you should think about the following factors:

Hours

It's important to consider how many hours you'll work, including overtime, to make sure you have enough time for your personal life. When reviewing the job posting, see if it includes whether regular overtime is an expectation and how you would receive compensation for those extra hours. If possible, read reviews from current and former employees to learn more about the time commitment expectations.

Location

The location, including whether it's in person or fully remote, can also be an important consideration. Think about how long your commute times would be and how that could affect your personal time. You may also want to see if it's possible to work remotely at least one or two days a week to save time and transportations costs.

Benefits

Additional benefits beyond your base salary can make a position more appealing. A position that offers a lower salary but comes with amenities like insurance and paid vacation days may be preferable to a job with a higher base pay but fewer benefits. Determine the lowest salary you could accept and what sort of benefits you would want to offset your wages.

Company culture

No two offices are exactly alike, and finding a company where you fit in with the workplace culture is important. In some cases, you may decide that choosing a job with a lower salary but a better culture match may be a good career choice.

Demands

One of the most important factors in finding happiness at a job is how much responsibility you have. An ideal situation usually involves a job that has achievable targets that still require you to give them your full effort and attention. You can review the responsibilities in the job description to see if they match your current skill set and have the potential to offer a healthy challenge.

Future prospects

Although there are occasionally times you need to think about the best short-term option, it's usually helpful to take a job as part of a larger plan. Ensuring that the job you choose aligns with your moderate and long-term life plans can help you achieve success sooner. Ask about opportunities for growth during the hiring process to ensure you choose a job where you can earn promotions and raises.