Introduction:
When it comes to finding a job, it’s essential to have clarity on what you’re looking for.
Whether you’re being asked this question in a job interview or conducting a self-assessment before starting your job search, having a clear understanding of your job expectations is crucial.
When you are asked, “what do you look for in this job?” or “what are you looking for in your job search” your answer should be relevant to the position you are seeking.
This article aims to explore what individuals look for in a job, depending on their individualistic traits and choices.
We will discuss some general subject matters that you can mention in your response.
The Importance of Job Expectations
Regardless of your age, position, or responsibilities, it’s vital to be sure about your job expectations. Otherwise, your “job-switch” might end up being a wasted endeavor for something you weren’t clear about in the first place.
Therefore, it would be wise to take the time to understand what you want from a job and make sure your expectations align with your career goals.
Assessing Your Job Expectations
So, when looking for a job what do you consider most important ? It’s essential to assess your motivation and desires before looking for a job.
Take the time to reflect on your career goals and what you want from a job. It’s also helpful to assess your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement to help narrow down your job search.
Four Aspects of Job Expectations
To help categorize your job expectations, we’ve outlined four aspects that may interest you when considering a job opportunity:
1.) Career Growth – Career growth is a top priority for many individuals.
A job that promises a pay hike, higher designation, or opportunities for skill development can be an attractive option. In addition, the job responsibilities and challenges may also be critical considerations when assessing the potential for career growth.
If you believe a job can be a “launch pad” for your career, it’s worth taking it up.
2.) Job Satisfaction- Job satisfaction is an essential aspect of any job. Many people find themselves in the wrong job or get fatigued easily, leading them to start looking for new opportunities.
Therefore, it’s crucial to assess your satisfaction level in your current job and consider opportunities that offer more job satisfaction.
3.) Desire to Excel – For many individuals, the sheer desire to excel in their niche drives them to hunt for better jobs.
For example, if you’re a certified software professional, you may be interested in honing your skills further and look for opportunities that provide job diversification and advancement in the skill sets you possess.
4.) Stability – Job stability has declined over the years, leading many individuals to prioritize job security.
While it’s common for workers to change jobs over the course of their careers, stability remains an essential consideration for many individuals.
7 Tips for Answering Questions about “What do you look for in a job”
1. Relevance to Job Description
Naturally, you will find yourself coming back to the job description and its key features and core requirements.
Therefore, orient your answers towards the opportunities this job (and this company) could offer you. Communicate your desires in the best way you can.
2. Enthusiasm, Love of Challenges, and Career Enhancement
There are a few general subjects matters you can always mention in your response.
These include enthusiasm, love of new challenges, and a strong (but reasonable) desire for career enhancement and development.
3. Communicate Your Interests and Goals
Be genuine and honest – Connect your actual personal preferences to the context of the company.
Demonstrate your interest in the job features.
For example – You do not just want career growth but career growth in the emerging green technologies, etc..
4. Communicate Your Motivational Level
If you add a few professional details, the interviewer will be pleased to note that you have done some research.
They will feel that you are motivated and interested in the job.
5. Work Environment – Likes and Dislikes
Depending on the nature of the position in question and the company culture, you may decide to be more detailed in speaking (tactfully) about your ideal job conditions and work environment.
6. Aspects to Bring Up
Aspects to bring up as part of what you want can be things like –
Teamwork, team lead, managerial position (delegating work – organizational duties), solitary work, exciting work vs. routine work, salary, benefits, traveling, turnover rates (for salesperson), work hours (flexible vs fixed hours), less formality, general working conditions, more openness between “boss” and employees, etc.
7. Incorporate What You Don’t Want
If you know what you don’t want in a job or why you left your previous job, you can incorporate it into what you want in a new job.
For example: If the professional or interpersonal atmosphere was what made you want to leave your previous job, by all means, say that you are looking for a good, productive work environment.
An Example of a Good Answer
“I understand that your goal is to be the first company in the country to develop transgenic algae as a fuel source.
I am very interested in emerging green energy and would like to contribute my skills in this area as a project developer and a manager. I think it could place our country on the global economic map and provide many unemployed people with jobs. I have relevant experience in…”
Conclusion,
In conclusion, when asked what you are looking for in a job, remember to be relevant to the position you are seeking, communicate your interests and goals, and be honest and genuine in your responses.
Job expectations are a crucial consideration for anyone looking for a job. By assessing your expectations and aligning them with your career goals, you can increase your chances of finding a job that’s right for you.
Remember to take the time to reflect on what you want from a job and consider the four aspects outlined above when assessing potential job opportunities.