Job hunting

In case you haven’t heard, it’s a jobseeker’s market at the moment, with many employers saying recruitment has never been more difficult. Lower skilled jobs with a higher turnover of staff are where most of the vacancies are. Waiting staff, retail assistants and general administrators could find other openings easily, although they aren’t necessarily going to see a big increase in salary. If you are highly qualified in a specialist skill there will be fewer vacancies, so it’s not as easy to find the ideal opportunity.

Job-hunting and going for interviews is timeconsuming though, so it’s worth thinking about what it is you want from a new employer before you start.

More money

You might think wanting a pay rise is a given, but it’s not as high a priority for everybody as you might think. If you are still living with parents, have family commitments, or you are older and have paid off your mortgage, maybe you would be willing to take a lower salary because it’s a better fit with your life goals.

Different hours

If you are looking for full-time work, it could be that full-time-but-flexible is more attractive. A skylark will want to get going early so they can finish early too. If you are a night owl and your job doesn’t need you until the afternoon or evening, that could really appeal to you.

If you need part-time or flexitime, an employer with a bit of sympathy for short-notice time off is going to be a good option. It’s a lot less stressful to know changes in hours are under your control, especially if you have children to care for.

Location

Commuting for the job of your dreams is something you might put up with. But don’t get lured by a super career and salary, only to find that travel (and travel disruptions) eat into your personal life, and the pay rise is wiped out by fuel or public transport fares.

The buzz

If you are an introvert, a small company where you work in a quiet office with just one or two people will be ideal. But if you are outgoing or young and hoping for a bit of a work-hard, play-hard environment, seriously question whether you are going to get that in any opportunities you chase. You spend a lot of time at work, so the business ethos has to suit you.

Benefits

There might be tangible financial benefits such as a bonus, a good pension scheme and private health cover. But equally, extra holiday, work-from-home days, onsite parking, an early finish on a Friday or an air-conditioned office with a view could be the clincher for you.

It’s a no

Make a list of absolutely-no-way terms before you waste your time and theirs going for an interview. Finally don’t talk yourself into accepting the first offer if it’s not suitable, just because you are unhappy where you are. With plenty of vacancies out there, hold your nerve and find the right fit.