I have been working a little over a year and not satisfied
with my position. What are the factors that contribute to overall job satisfaction, and how do they rank? For example compensation, autonomy, recognition, opportunity for advancement. Also after understanding the
importance of these factors, how should I go about interviewing current employees of a prospective employer?
Thank you.
From: Douglas D. Houlahan, Recent Graduate, Iowa State University
ANSWER FROM BRIAN KRUEGER:
Hi Doug -
I really can't answer the job satisfaction question for you personally--only you can. However, the general factors which often affect overall job satisfaction include:
- money (salary, benefits, other perks)
- job responsibilities
- career growth
- opportunities for training/mentoring
- your boss
- your co-workers
- recognition
...and the list goes on. The bottom line is that you need to set reasonable goals for yourself in your career, then work to do your part in meeting those goals. If your employer is not able to back you in your goals,
you may want to consider moving on. And yet the grass is NOT always greener.
The best test of whether or not to move on is what I call the Pillow Test: when you wake up in the morning, are you excited and
enthusiastic about going to work or do you dread the thought of another day at work? And at the end of the day, when you put your head back down on the pillow, are you happy for what you have given and accomplished or
do you feel that you have made little or no progress forward?
The Pillow Test may seem rather simplistic, but it points to the more important areas of our job longevity--interests, aptitudes, personalities, values,
and overall self-actualization. We all know (or should know) the feeling of what it's like to pass the Pillow Test. It really is a great feeling. No, we won't pass the Pillow Test each and every day, no matter what job
we're in. But if you consistently fail the test, it may be time to move on.
When interviewing for a new position, ask the interviewer why they chose to come to work for the employer. And at the end of the process,
before accepting a potential offer, ask to meet with a peer level employee. That person will be hand selected, but the meeting will offer you a best case scenario of what it's like to work for the employer. Ask the
person what they like about their job, what they don't like, and what they would change if they were in charge. Be polite, but don't take the pat answers--probe until you feel you are getting an honest view.
And, in
the end, realize that this is an imperfect world. You may find the "perfect" employer only to see the wrinkles once you are inside. Remember, the perfect employer will no longer be perfect after they have
hired you or me. Learn to be satisfied with employers that are truly doing their best to serve the needs of all (customers, employees, and shareholders--and it should be in that order). And know when to move on when the
winds change. Don't be a job hopper, but be selective in your search so that you don't have to hop as often.
Change is inevitable. But you can minimize its impact with thoughtful selection. Sorry to hear your initial
choice was not a good one. But also glad to hear that you are going in with your eyes open the second time around.
Brian Krueger
Author of College Grad Job Hunter
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