Is Your Employer Right For You?

Following the recent announcement of the Randstad Awards, we listed in an earlier blog, some of the most attractive employers to work for in 2012. These included organisations like Newcrest Mining (the winner), Westpac, Virgin Australia and ABC Australia.

But while these companies are in the lead, they may not be for everyone. So how do you know if your employer is really right for you?

1. Do You Fit in With the Company Culture?

Company culture is one of the most critical determining factors in choosing the right employer. If you’ve ever had the benefit of career coaching or simply attended an interview with a recruiter, you will have been asked what type of company you want to work for. Large or small? Corporate or casual? Ambitious or laid back? All of these things are an indication of culture. If there is a mismatch between what you want and the company culture, it probably means your employer is not right for you.

2. Do You Believe in Their Leadership?

Knowing where the company is going and how they will get there can also help you decide if you fit with the organisation. For instance, if you are a driven, strategic individual, the lack of future planning in an organisation can be frustrating. If you are intent on placing yourself on a strong career path, you’ll need to be assured that your company is going to thrive and grow for at least the next decade.

It’s also important to believe in the quality of your leadership; strong leaders will inspire others to strive for success, while poor leaders, on the other hand, may fail to gain confidence and trust from their employees. If you don’t believe in your company’s leadership, it may be time to move on.

3. Does Your Job Align With Your Career Goals?

If there is a misalignment between your career goals and your employer’s goals, it’s often a sign that they are not quite right for you. For example, if you’re keen to break into a certain market but your company is steering away from that market, you might want to rethink if the business is suited to you and vice versa. Similarly, if your goal is to become a senior manager and there is little room for progression, you may want to find an employer that offers better career growth.

4. Do You Enjoy Your Work Environment?

On a day-to-day basis, ask yourself if you enjoy your work environment. Is it too political or corporate? Or perhaps it’s too small or disorganised? And are you on the same page as your co-workers in terms of management, processes and direction? Identifying what you do/don’t like about your work environment can also tell you if your employer is right for you. If there are many things that you dislike, it could be time to look into career coaching and find an employer that’s better suited to your needs.

Good luck,