5 tips on finding the right (sales) company for you

More than 40% of employees are considering leaving their jobs this year, according to a Microsoft survey. Similarly, a UK survey conducted on 2,000 workers found that nearly 25% of respondents were unhappy with their roles. About one-third said they wanted bigger paychecks, while 23% reported not feeling valued at work. The last thing you want is to go through the hassle of finding a job and then realize it’s not a good fit. When you’re a fresh graduate, it’s important to join a company that gives you the chance to learn and grow. You may also be looking for a job that allows you to build connections, acquire new skills, and identify your strengths. The problem is that many new hires don’t know what to expect from an organization until they actually start working there. As a result, they end up in jobs they dislike or don’t care about. Some enjoy their work but feel like they don’t fit in. Others love everything about a company but find themselves unable to progress in their current role. So, how can you determine if a company is the best fit for you before accepting its offer? Let’s find out!

Map out your expectations

First things first, try to figure out what you expect from a potential employer. Do you want to work for a company that offers growth opportunities? What about one that invests in employee training and development? Would you prefer to join an organization with a competitive culture or one where there is minimal pressure to succeed? Be honest with yourself and consider what you’re looking for. While a decent salary is important, you’ll also want to take into account a company’s culture, values, and work environment. Its management matters, too. If you’re dissatisfied with the company’s culture or leadership team, you may not feel motivated enough to do your best work. Likewise, you may lose your motivation if you’re feeling undervalued, overstressed, or overworked. Some employees leave their jobs because they feel like their work isn’t meaningful. Others take this decision after they realize they are not given the opportunity to advance their careers.

Think holistically

Holistic thinking is all about seeing the big picture. In this context, think about how your new role will fit your lifestyle and career goals. Let’s say you find a company that ticks all the boxes. The job is great and comes with a big paycheck, the company’s values align with your own, and there are plenty of opportunities for growth. The problem is that you may have to work overtime during busy periods, such as around the holidays. Initially, you wanted a job at an organization that offers flex time or telecommuting options. While you may feel excited about the job, don’t rush into making a decision. First, assess your options and set your priorities straight. Is the time commitment worth it? Will you still need to work overtime as you climb the ranks? Do you think you’ll be able to balance work and personal life? Remember, there’s no right or wrong answer. Prioritize what matters most to you and be realistic about what you can and cannot do. Look at the long-term benefits and how they align with your career aspirations.

Give yourself a geography lesson

You may find a great job in a small city, but you want to live in Berlin, London, or another big city. However, this doesn’t mean you should decline the offer. Many companies relocate their employees as they climb the career ladder. Employee relocation typically comes with pay adjustments or bonuses, flexible start dates, and other perks. You just have to work hard enough to make it happen. Note, though—living in a big city isn’t cheap. The cost of living in Munich, for example, is close to €900 (without rent) per month for a single person. In Leipzig, you would only need €741.92 per month to live comfortably. Salaries are higher in big cities, but you’ll also spend more on food, rent, clothing, transportation, and other goods or services. Therefore, it’s important to join a company that pays fair wages and gives its employees the chance to advance their careers. Consider what types of housing you can afford and how long the commute is. If you dream of working abroad, research the social and cultural aspects. Stockholm, for instance, has 20-year waiting lists for rental homes, reports the BBC. Most expats either live in shared flats or go for second-hand rentals, which are a lot more expensive than first-hand contracts. In such cases, it’s best to let prospective employers know about your concerns and work together to find a solution.

Prepare for a two-way interview

One way to find out more about a prospective employer is to ask specific questions during your job interview. Chances are, most employers will be happy to answer your questions and address any concerns you may have. The average cost per hire is more than $4,100, so it’s in a company’s best interest to ensure you’re a good fit for the role. Research the organization beforehand. For example, you can try to find out more about its top performers and their career paths. Check out their LinkedIn profiles or google their names to see what shows up. Also, search for information about the company’s leadership, corporate culture, accomplishments, and turnover rate. Look up any recent events or news as well. Next, write down your questions and prepare for a two-way interview. Consider asking the following:

• What do they expect from you?
• How do they measure success?
• What kind of person is most likely to succeed?
• What are their plans for the future?
• How much autonomy would you have in your role?
• Are you going to work on a team or by yourself?
• Will your role teach your transferable skills?
• What kind of work-life balance can you expect?
• Do they offer any training programs and career advancement opportunities?

By asking the right questions, you’ll show your interest in the company and the job. At the same time, you will gain valuable insights that can drive better decision-making.

Research prospective employers

Take the time to do a little digging before you accept a job offer. Check the company’s website and social media pages, read business articles, and see what its employees have to say. Company evaluation websites like Vault, INC. 5000, Glassdoor, and Indeed can provide valuable information as well. You may also want to read customer reviews to get an outside perspective. Use these insights to determine if you fit in with the company’s culture. The photos shared by its employees on social media can tell a lot about its diversity and inclusion efforts, too. An organization that says nothing about its staff members and their hard work on its website and online pages should raise a red flag. The same goes for companies with high turnover, widespread layoffs, or media backlash. Try to find out how the company reacted in times of controversy or uncertainty. We went back and forth to support our employees’ mental wellbeing during the lockdown, introducing Wellbeing Wednesdays, flexible hours, and remote work options, among other perks.

Join a company that values its employees

Finding the perfect employer takes time and effort, but it’s worth the wait. Look for a company that puts its employees first and rewards hard work. Do some research, ask the right questions, and trust your gut. Most importantly, think long-term and set your priorities straight. Frank Recruitment Group offers everything you need to build an exciting career in sales. Our employees benefit from custom learning programs and have the chance to work from over 20 offices across the world. We acknowledge and reward their accomplishments with paid trips, bonuses, promotions, and other perks.