Changing jobs can be a challenge for even highly seasoned technologists. The environment is in constant flux and the nature of roles keeps changing. That being said, one shouldn’t stay at a job where they feel they’re stagnating or if they’re in a toxic environment that is distressing them in some way. There are many reasons why individuals would want to change their jobs. Whatever the motivation is, here are a few factors to consider when looking for a new job.
Benefits
Look for a company that offers excellent benefits in addition to a healthy pay package. That should include a contribution to your retirement fund, insurance, bonuses, equity, paid time off, overtime reimbursement, etc. Make sure that these benefits are offered to you in writing. Negotiate if you need to before agreeing to anything. Are there wellness plans? Or a healthy travel allowance? Also, remember that the nature of compensation and benefits has changed due to the pandemic’s impact on work. Today, rather than on-site amenities, employees prefer benefits such as food allowance, a budget for setting up a home work-station, and other work-from-home related benefits.
Learning Opportunities
Upskilling is always at the forefront of a professional technologists mind. As a technologist, it’s always beneficial if the new company you’re considering offers training programs with certifications. That way, you’ll be up-to-date with skills and technologies. It will also be more intellectually stimulating. Learning new profitable skills will keep boredom away while giving you valuable skills for the future. If in-house training isn’t an option, ask for a budget and time-off to pursue online courses in relevant subjects. It’s helpful if you make a list of what kind of material you want to learn. That will help guide you in deciding what kind of training you want. It can also provide insight into what kind of change you’re looking for in general.
Company Culture
The corporate culture in an establishment is an important factor for many people. It can relate to whether a company allows flexible hours, peer coaching, team-building events, and other such activities. While it’s tough to understand the company’s culture before actually working there, find about the above gives you a good idea. Other ways to gauge the culture include reading ratings on Glassdoor and other such review websites. If the technologists and other employees are happy and feel like their work is valued, you can consider making a shift. Another green flag is if the management is transparent without much complication when it comes to reaching out to upper management. Other key indicators include how innovative the company is, its reward culture, and diversity and inclusion policies.
You have to assess your needs and wants when it comes to the environment you want to work in. Would you like to work in a start-up or a small business? Or maybe you’re better suited to working at a large firm? Both environments are very different.
Growth Opportunities
While being interviewed, ask about opportunities to grow within the company. You don’t want to move from one company to another just to stagnate in the new office. Ask right away what the future will look like in the new establishment. Find out from the hiring manager what the long-term opportunities are. Are there senior roles in the department that you could potentially include in your growth trajectory? Also, look into whether you can make a lateral move from one department to another if that’s something you’re interested in. A good tip is to go through the social media pages of the new organization’s technologists and other employees to study for how long they’ve stayed at the same position or department.
The Company’s Track Record
It’s essential to research the company you’re potentially joining. What is their track record when it comes to cutbacks? How about layoffs? The pandemic caused many organizations to cut down on their staff. Is the role you’re applying for considered replaceable? Do a thorough background check too, about what they usually make headlines for. Do they confidently reach new milestones? Have they expanded their business recently? Or were there any red flags that would cause you problems later, such as financial troubles? This is especially important if you’re joining a startup.
Coworkers
For many, the talent their surrounded by is what drives them to improve on their skills. That’s why having a group of talented and motivated coworkers is always a big bonus. While you don’t get to choose who your coworkers are, you should have an idea of what you want from the people around you. Do you want people who motivate you? Or on the other hand, do you prefer colleagues who are quiet and mind their own business? Figure out what you prefer and try to find out what the office culture is like. Also, remember – keep all your connections from your previous workplace. You never know when that could help you.
These are some of the most important factors to ponder when making a career move. There can be more, but never less. Which of these are the most important to your career change?
Connect with us to join our high-energy, driven, and positive work environment and get the opportunity to work on some cutting-edge technology projects.
