by Sue Simons, National Manager, Jobseek, a division of Drake International.
Jobs Employment, Career Job, Employment Job
Does the organisation have the capability to satisfy customer requirements?
There is a direct link between customer satisfaction and employee commitment.
Does the organisation in question understand and implement the things important to their employees?
As we spend most of our waking hours in the office, our work environment needs to be physically and motivationally attractive. It needs to reflect the fact that organisations value their employees.
Does the organisation have the work culture you're comfortable with?
While this may seem an odd prerequisite, it is amazing how often people leave organisations because of incompatible cultures.
For example, in a company that has a sales culture, people with a research and development focus can expect to be frustrated in that sales culture's focus on short-term efforts, rather than longer-term solutions.
Is talent genuinely identified, utilised and developed and are employees provided with some sort of career-path?
One of the most frustrating experiences any employee can have is feeling under-utilised and directionless. This can be the major cause of resignations and of staff being snapped up by the competition.
Is there a direct link between business success and personal success?
All employees like to feel they financially have a share in the success of the organisation - usually through incentive schemes such as "bonus" payments and share plans.
Is the need to balance work, life and family recognised by the employer and are these policies implemented and practiced?
Busy demanding jobs need to be compensated by flexibility to ensure healthy recreation and personal growth, including family and relationship commitments.
However, the nature of what is important in the work/life balance varies in the stages of employment. For example, for younger employees getting some leave to travel overseas may be important; for people with family responsibilities, having flexibility to attend to family needs may be paramount. For older employees, a flexible working week to fit in a golf game may be important!
Ultimately, is your resume going to be significantly enhanced by working for the organisation in question?
Studies have shown that employees now recognise that "cradle to grave" employment with one employer is very unlikely. Therefore, the modern resume is a more complex document than its predecessor. Most employers like to be able to see some kind of career path or pattern, however lateral, in the diverse roles that you may have undertaken in the duration of your career.
Finding the answers
In finding the answers to the employer of choice checklist, you should make a list of people who are either directly or indirectly connected with the company in question. When making enquiries, remember to be discreet and not to jeopardise any confidentiality associated with the appointment and selection process.It would also be worth your while to tap into your potential employer's website or access company information via the Internet. Services such as Reuters could also be handy in obtaining useful company data. Seek out literature and publications and read these and assess the messages they are sending.
Utilise the interview process effectively. Remember that an interview is a two way process and prepare thoughtful questions that expand on your research to date and fill in any gaps. Remember also, that the person interviewing you is also an employee, someone who must function in the organisation on a day-to-day basis. This is your chance to gain their insight into the workplace culture.
Finally, don't hurry your decision and do your homework properly before making that all-important choice.
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