CAREERLIFESTYLE & TRAVELCOLLEGE

Career Q&A

If you’re about to enter the workforce, you may feel a sense of confusion regarding how to begin. What’s right for you and your career may be different than what’s right for another person’s career. Let’s go over a few questions you can ask yourself as you start searching for employment to gain an understanding of what you may be looking for in a job.

1. How much money do I want to make?

This question is always going to be a personal one. The average income of a postgraduate who attended a four-year university is $55,260 in the United States, so it’s important to consider the amount of take-home pay you’ll need to pay for your current expenses. You can determine an appropriately for your position by researching openings in the area you work in.

2. What are my skills and interests?

Take some time to analyze what characteristics you would be able to bring to the table. How can you show a company that you deserve to be there? Even after you’ve been offered a position, you will still need to put forth effort each day toward the job you have been hired to do.

3. Do I want an in-person, hybrid or remote position?

It’s important to know what your preference in location is when it comes to your place of employment. Be sure to ask what they offer — whether it’s in-person, hybrid or fully remote. Keep in mind things such as commute time, on-site perks and internet access. As more jobs transition to being in-person again, other companies have found convenience in having their employees continue working remotely. While interviewing, ask what the company intends to do moving forward.

4. What kind of culture do I want to work in?

Knowing what you’re looking for in a company’s atmosphere and workplace culture is just as important as how much money you would like to be paid. One of the worst feelings is dreading coming into the office every day. Make it a point to ask beforehand what values the company upholds to ensure their employees are both comfortable and happy in their day-to-day work.

5. What if I change my mind while employed at this company?

Change is inevitable. Sometimes people will start a job just to get their foot in the door and test things out — especially if it’s their first full-time position. Not everyone knows what they want to do and where they want to be employed until retirement when they accept their first job. Additionally, younger generations tend to change jobs more often than their parents did. For example, according to Indeed Career Guide, working individuals ages 18-24 changed jobs an average of 5.7 more times than the previous generation. One tip to keep in mind if you have accepted employment at a company that you’re starting to feel uneasy about is to always keep your resume up to date. This will help you stay prepared in case you decide to apply for another position. In addition, keeping your emergency fund well supplied will be helpful if you decide you need to leave your current role as soon as possible. However, be sure to give your current place of employment a chance before jumping ship.

These questions are just a few of the many things you need to keep in mind when you begin your search for a potential place of employment. Don’t forget to ask as many questions as possible during the interview process too. A job interview is as much a fact-finding mission for you as it is an opportunity for a company to determine if you’d be a good fit for them.

Sources:

https://www.thinkimpact.com/average-college-graduate-salaries/

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/starting-new-job/how-often-do-people-change-career