According to a survey conducted by TopResume, 70% of people currently employed are open to a new career opportunity. Many successful professionals are among this group. They know the importance of keeping their LinkedIn profile and resume updated, as well as continuing to network with other professionals in their industry and building relationships with executive recruiters.

If that new “dream job” arises, how do you evaluate whether it is right to make a move? Helbling search consultants outlined some key considerations for evaluating a new career opportunity.

Compensation Factors

Compensation should not be the primary factor in your decision to pursue a new opportunity. Limiting your thinking to dollars can cause you to ignore many other important signs and signals about whether a career move is right for you.

It should, however, be one factor of consideration. When reviewing compensation, think about the total package presented. This includes base salary, commission (if applicable), bonus potential, retirement savings matches or contributions, health and wellness benefits, and vacation, sick, and/or personal time.

Individual Factors

Individual factors are unique to your personal situation. They include basic items such as work schedule, commute time, and whether a relocation is required. They also include factors such as flexibility of the organization on these items, what type of work-life balance you can expect, and how the role aligns with your existing personal commitments.

Potential employers seem more willing to discuss individual factors than they have been in the past. In most cases, when they recognize a good potential employee, they are open to a dialogue about accommodating reasonable requests.

Organizational Factors

Organizational factors include cultural or complementary fit. How does your work style and personality complement your manager and the existing team? Can you picture yourself working alongside these professionals and adding value?

During your interview process, what has been the communication effort and approach of the organization’s representatives? That factor can be telling of the structure and how organization as a whole will convey information once you are employed there.

Consider the organization’s reputation in the marketplace, including stability and history. Does the organization have good reviews by current or past employees? Does, or has, anyone you know work there? Is it somewhere you will be proud to work?

Basic Factors

Lastly, but most importantly, there are two basic factors of the evaluation process:

Can you do the job?

• Are you qualified?
• Do you understand the expectations of the role?
• Do you have any questions or concerns about the role?

Do you want to do the job?

• Does it present a better opportunity than you currently have?
• Will it be challenging, rewarding, or what you are looking for in a new role?
• Does it align with your career goals or offer potential for growth?

If you are currently looking for a new career opportunity or want to communicate your organization’s opportunity to new candidates, click here to contact a ZRG search consultant.