Important Factors to Consider when Deciding on Your Next Move

When considering a new position, it can be very tempting to put most of the emphasis on the financial package on offer and disregard other aspects which may turn out to be more important than you initially had thought. There is no denying the importance of the salary and the package on offer but there are other aspects of employment that are immeasurable in financial terms.

The Job
Determine what you want from your new job because the actual role itself is of paramount importance. If you are leaving your current role because you feel unchallenged or unmotivated, then moving to a similar type of role on a higher financial package is unlikely to lead to fulfilment or satisfaction in the long run. The duties and responsibilities on offer should be a mix of the known and unknown. You can bring your skills, experience and expertise to bear in the role but should have scope to take on responsibilities that are new, that will challenge you on an ongoing basis and further your career development prospects. IT professionals seeking career development opportunities which may ultimately lead to management roles, should seek positions that will allow opportunities to lead or manage small projects or project teams, whether in a formal or informal capacity. In this way they can demonstrate their potential to their employer as well as gain some valuable practical experience which will help them move up the career ladder. The technical working environment should also be carefully considered. A working environment where the latest and most up to date technologies are being utilised or implemented will mean you gain practical experience with technologies that are “in demand” and will enhance your future career development potential.

Benefits Package
Employee benefits can vary from job to job and from company to company. Standard fringe benefits are generally advertised with the role or discussed as part of the interview process. These typically can include bonus schemes, share options, pension entitlements, health benefits and car or mileage allowances. In the current marketplace, with candidate shortages in certain areas, companies place huge importance on employee attraction and retention and several other types of benefits have emerged over the last number of years, acting as incentives to entice individuals to join and stay with the company. These can include contributions towards gym or other sports/health memberships, employee savings schemes and holiday funds, discounted rates organised for employees with retailers and service providers, lunch allowances and provision of company mobile phones or telephone allowances. A popular benefit often associated with IT or technical roles are discounts for purchasing computers and other technical equipment for personal use.

Career Path
Future promotional opportunities or avenues for progression should be a key determinant in whether you accept that new job or not. Explore whether the company has any specific structured career path or technical track in place, which establishes opportunities for progression within the company and specifies what criteria must be achieved in order to move up the ladder. Learn as much as you can about the company, research the company in detail, examine how the company has progressed over the last number of years to determine if they are likely to expand and develop. Employers often want to know what your own career plans are and will frequently tailor questions to be asked during the recruitment interview that will explore your career ambitions and vision for the future. Use this as an opportunity to enquire into potential career development options available should you join their company. Ascertain if the company promote from within and ask if they have a specific policy in place governing promotions in the workplace. Ask what their future business plans are to determine if they anticipate growth. All of this information gathering should yield enough knowledge to allow you make an informed decision as to whether this company can meet, and maybe exceed, your career development goals.

Training Opportunities
Ongoing and regular technical training is imperative for IT professionals who want to stay ahead of their game. You will need to keep up to date with the latest technologies and trends and ensure that any new skills needed are acquired. Many companies invest heavily in training, development and up-skilling of staff. Identify what the company’s policy on training is and explore options available to you to increase your technical knowledge and skill-set. This will be particularly important for career development or should you wish to switch jobs at a future stage.

Work/Life Balance
Work life balance arrangements are policies which help employees combine their personal and professional lives. Do you live to work or work to live? Companies that have specific work/life balance policies in place will offer more flexible working arrangements so you can enjoy your life outside of the office. These can include flexitime, e-working, part time working, job sharing, flexible leave arrangements such as term time working, career breaks or study leave. These types of policies can facilitate employees at various stages of their lives. You may want to go travelling at some future stage but don’t’ relish the idea of resigning from a role you love or a company you enjoy working for. If the company is flexible to grant career breaks or sabbaticals, then this needn’t be a concern. You may have a family and need more flexible working arrangements while your children are young. You might just be fed up with lengthy commutes to work and want to work for a company that operates a flexible hours policy so you can avoid rush hour traffic. The list is limitless. In the current marketplace, most companies will offer some form of work/life balance arrangements. Find the one that is most suited to your needs.

Company Culture
Employers who are recruiting will often attach a lot of importance to the “right candidate fit”. This works both ways and you should also carefully consider whether any potential new role is the right fit for you. The corporate culture and working environment will differ from company to company often depending on the ownership, size and make-up of the organisation in question. If you are considering joining an organisation, it’s critical that you share the same philosophy and are committed to the same beliefs and values. Moving from one type of corporate environment to another may be a “cultural shock” but doesn’t necessarily have to be a deal breaker, provided this is only short term and that in the long term you can adapt and integrate quickly into your new environment. Bottom line? Give due consideration to the company culture before committing to that job offer.

It is important to take all of the above into account as part of the bigger picture and to weigh up everything that's on the table, rather than isolating and focusing on any one aspect. All of the components have to add up to the right move for you. Good luck with the job hunting!

If you would like to speak to an Ergo IT Resourcing recruitment officer about furthering your IT career please call +353 - 1 - 8843200 or email resourcing@smartbusiness.ie

Top of Page