We all know someone who's started a promising new job only to find out the employer is nothing at all like they expected. So, how can you overcome this in your career and spot a great employer from a bad one, before it's too late.
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What makes a great employer?
Recently, Google won Fortune magazine's best US company to work for award for the second year in a row. Beyond pay cheques and employment perks, employees listed the opportunity to try new things as the reason Google is such a great employer to work for.
In Australia, Hewitt Associates regularly identifies employer best practices and great organisations to work for in their Best Employers study. According to Hewitt, which conducts similar research across the globe, "best employers" excel at making their employees feel connected to the business. They communicate with employees about the organisation's goals and align people with the business through performance management and career development. Importantly, they know the value people can bring to their organisation.
Money isn't everything
Interestingly, even though Google topped Fortune's best employer list, it didn't even make it into the 25 top-paying companies — proof that when it comes to having a great job, money isn't everything.
According to a recent survey by recruitment agency Robert Walters, more than 40 percent of Australian workers considered work-life balance the most important factor in determining what makes a great employer. This was followed by career progression and corporate culture. Only 14 percent ranked their salary package as the highest priority.
David Chancellor, managing director of commerce and industry recruitment at Robert Walters said the "survey is further evidence that employees are increasingly regarding quality of life as their chief objective".
"People are prepared to work hard but the trade-off is twofold: they want to enjoy the work they do but they don't want to feel enslaved to their work."
Female-friendly
IBM has been named an "employer of choice for women" by the Australian Government's Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency (EOWA) for seven straight years.
So what makes IBM such a great employer for women? According to the EOWA, it's the company's policies to attract and retain older workers, their increasing representation of women at executive levels and for helping employees maintain a work-life balance. In the last respect, it's initiatives like job sharing, flexible working options and lifestyle programs which have won the organisation such accolades.
Use the interview process
When it comes to spotting a great employer during the recruitment process, candidates need to remember that an interview is a two-way street. Candidates should use the opportunity to find out all they can about the company. For instance, the person employing you is also an employee and therefore you can use them to gain insight into the workplace culture.
Ask questions about:
- The company's training and development programs.
- How they measure performance.
- Their take on work-life balance issues.
In addition to the interview, conduct some research (through corporate websites, or an insider if you know one) and try and discover:
- The employer's reputation for looking after/valuing employees.
- The reputation of the company in the marketplace.
- The company's stance on career development and progression.
- If they offer a positive and vibrant working environment.
- How they view the importance of work-life balance.
How to get hired by a great employer
Feel like you want to switch jobs and get your foot in the door with a great employer? Try some of these tips.
Learn to be a team player. Great employers look for employees who will be real team players.
Be prepared to settle down with the one company for some time. Most of these companies are looking for people who want to build a career over the long haul.
If you're just starting in the relevant industry, seek out work experience at the company in question.
Be open to new things.
If at first you don't succeed, don't give up. If you don't get hired for the first job you apply for, keep in contact with the company and look to future opportunities.
Tools and resources:
> Find your dream job > What are you worth? > Interview confidence boosters
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