When you are looking for a new job, it can seem instinctual to focus your search on a specific job title and position. However, whether you are looking for an entry-level position or a Senior role, finding a great position goes way beyond the job description.
When deciding between potential employers, whether that be company culture, opportunities for growth or the size of the company – there are several things to keep in mind when you are choosing a company to work for.
What key factors should you consider? Here are 4 pieces of advice to help you decide the best company for you to work for:
Development Opportunities
Career progression can take many forms, this could be in the form of being awarded more responsibility in the role, moving up the career ladder in terms of promotion.
What you need to decide is what do you want from your career? Write down a list of career goals and put timescales on these! Next, research your potential new employer’s success in progressing their staff. Do they have a history of progression within the company?
Company Culture
Do you want to be employed by a firm that does not match your own core values? Probably not! You want a company that will align with your values, fulfil you, and make you feel a sense of purpose. So how do you a firm is right for you?
- Do your research – Check websites such as Glassdoor, Trustpilot and ReviewSolicitors
- Make connections with past and present employees and ask to share thoughts if they do not mind.
- Check the News and social media – what are the firm doing / what is going on with them.
- Ask specific direct questions at interview – what does success look like? Can you give me examples of internal growth?
Salary and Benefits
Know what you are worth. Do research on the average salary for the position, considering your experience, your education level, and the place in which you will be working. From there calculate a yearly salary you feel will the fair based on your situation and will be fair but keep some room to be flexible – do not be shy about this.
Employee benefits go beyond the regular salary pack. These can make or break an employee’s decision to join a firm. They can come in many different forms, holiday allowance, workplace pension, discounts available via specific perks, maternity and paternity and flexible working. Make a note of what benefits are important to you, what is key or what will be key for you in the long term.
Do the firm’s employee benefits align with your personal needs?
Big or Small company: what is right for you?
Choosing the right firm is a huge decision. You will likely spend a third of your life working, which means you will want to choose a company that ticks as many boxes as possible.
So, what is right for you?
Although the culture of each company will vary regardless of its size, there are a few things you should bear in mind when looking for your perfect fit.
Why a big company might be right for you?
- You may want to work within a clear structure.
- You could benefit from a big brand reputation.
- Benefits package may be more in line with your needs or requirements.
Why a big company might not be right for you?
- You may not want to wait around for changes to be made.
- You may want to know everyone you work with.
- You may want a bit of variation to your role opposed to a set structure.
Why a small company might be right for you?
- A varied role – High Street practices tend to offer more variety based on client needs.
- Small tight knit team.
- Your successes may be more easily noticed.
Why a small company might not be right for you?
- Is there a clear path for your career development? Is this defined?
- Do their company benefits align with what you need, or do they just offer the basics?
- Would the team be too small? Would you prefer more interaction on a wider scale?
Making the final decision on the right company for you to work for
Ultimately this is a personal choice based on you as an individual. Regardless of the business size you choose to work for the important thing is to make sure you have done your research. You understand the business and they have passed your internal tick box test. You have weighed up the pros and cons (Yes make a list), and lastly, you are comfortable and confident in your decision.
Written by Simon Scott, Senior Recruitment Consultant specialising in the Legal sector in South Yorkshire and the East Midlands.
