This year saw a huge number of people leaving their jobs in what’s being called ‘The Great Resignation’. That has opened up several jobs across the industry, creating a gap of over 3.7 million IT jobs in the US alone. The situation is no different in India – if anything, the market is even hotter, as US companies look to work with offshore partners in India to fill the gaps created by people quitting.
This vastly increases the size of the job pool for tech professionals looking to evaluate options or switch companies. But with so many jobs open, techies have to be more discerning than ever before. If you’re a tech pro looking for your next big break, here are the factors that you should consider.
1. Look For Room to Grow
No one wants to be stuck in a dead-end job, which is why the ability to climb the ladder is a major concern. Find out from other employees or websites like Glassdoor whether or not the company you’re looking at has suitable growth opportunities for you. Do they provide their employees with increasing responsibility as they go on? Do new employees have the same opportunities as the older ones? Is the upper management open to guiding and mentoring those lower in the hierarchy? Find out all the important information.
2. Learning Opportunities Are A Plus
You should find out if the company trains its employees and invests in upskilling them. Staying ahead of technological trends helps keep you at the top of your game and ensures professional growth. Ask if they have a budget for classes and seminars. Find out if the company encourages employees to learn. It’s important to add to your existing knowledge as well as learn new skills that are relevant to your work, and companies that invest in education are usually good workplaces.
3. Find Challenging Work
The key to long-term job satisfaction is finding work that challenges you and makes you want to learn more. That keeps you motivated over a longer period. It will keep you intellectually alert and present in your role. You’ll have more space for creative work. You’ll also feel like your work is more impactful in the long run. Find out about your potential employer’s previous projects and clients to get a better idea of what kinds of projects you’ll likely be working on.
4. Find A Suitable Company Culture
Personalities are diverse and so are individual temperaments. A certain type of person may find a specific kind of work environment conducive to their productivity. Some prefer serious environments that are work-focused and job-oriented, while others prefer a more fun atmosphere in their offices. Google is famous for having an array of oddities at their office, as well as spaces for employees to relax in later. You can ask HR about the company culture or find out through their activities what kind of environment you can expect and if it’s suitable for you.
5. Look For a Strong Engineering Culture, Too
Aside from the general office environment, make sure there is a strong engineering culture, one that acts as a nurturing space for you. By working with other great developers and techies, you’ll exchange knowledge and experience a fulfilling work environment. Find out how the management, including the original founders, view their engineering practices. Keep in mind that teams that can retain their developers over a long time usually have a robust engineering culture.
6. Friendly Management
Mentorship is crucial to growth in any field. Find a company that is committed to keeping its people motivated and happy through key contributions from the higher-ups. The key to that would be having access to the C-Suite. Flat hierarchical structures make employees feel seen, heard, and appreciated. It would also mean there’s a higher chance of you being noticed for your hard work. Your potential employer should be executing these practices, not just maintaining awareness. Make sure to ask them if management is open to interacting with you during your projects.
7. Openness To New Ideas
While many companies are averse to discussing new ideas, others are open to them. Find a company that actively encourages its employees to share ideas and have discussions. Determine if the leadership is willing to give you a voice and provide opportunities for you to share new and innovative ideas. That will help you do impactful work and prove your worth as an employee. Don’t underestimate how important this is – you need such opportunities to stand out in your career, or else you will be lost in the crowd.
8. Feeling Appreciated
Are the employees of this company appreciated enough? Do they feel seen and are their achievements acknowledged? Feeling appreciated is a great personal motivation. It creates a positive company culture and also provides a foundation for compensation and benefits later on. Your company should know your worth and make you feel wanted for your talents. Make sure that your prospective employer is generous with their praise.
9. Find Out the Risks
Do your research and find out more about their business model. What kind of risks are associated with the kind of work they do? Are they sustainable in the long run? Most importantly, are you willing to work in an uncertain industry, or do you seek stability? Study the risks, the knowns, and the unknowns in their business model. Also, analyse how you can help the company in managing these factors. That will help you assess whether you’re a short-term solution or a part of a long-term growth strategy.
Keep these points in mind when you’re job hunting, and you’ll surely land a long-term job that will fulfil you and help you grow holistically. Or if you prefer a shortcut to a place that truly meets the great place to work brief, may we suggest a look here?
