Posted on: Monday, March 8, 2004

AT WORK
Before you quit, think about the kind of job you really want

By Andrea Kay
Gannett News Service

Steve is one of those really smart computer guys who doesn't yell back at people who are screaming at him when their computer isn't working. His company doesn't want to lose him. But Steve and I both know they're going to do so if things don't change.

He has had two job offers, but thankfully, didn't take them. The jobs weren't right for him and if he hadn't asked six important questions, he may have ended up going from one bad fit to another.

That's what happens when you're focused on what you want to get away from and don't know what you want to move toward.

So if you're gearing up for a job search, contemplate these six questions so you can decide if a new job fits the bill.

• What would my next ideal job look like ... what would I actually be doing?

In Steve's case, he wants to manage people and do more development work. When he inquired about the responsibilities of the offers he got, he discovered they involved mostly programming and listening to tantrum-throwing computer users. Within 30 days he would have been looking for a new job or asking his old boss for his job back.

• What would the environment and culture of my ideal company be like?

Would it be structured or more self-directed? Focused on results or mistakes? Does the company support continuing education, open communication and clearly define goals?

Steve's biggest frustration is that his management doesn't communicate or offer personal development. He wants a company that's committed to continuing education and challenges its workers. When he asked the new companies how they helped employees grow, he got a blank look or hemming and hawing — not a good sign.

• What would my ideal company be?

Obviously, you want to work for a winner — a company whose sales are strong and growing, that has a strategy and not a lot of debt and isn't dependent on one customer to keep it in business.

But just as important is believing in what a company does. Do you want to work for a company that sells a service or makes a product? What kind?

• What's the philosophy of the CEO and management team of my ideal company?

Steve is determined to work for executives who not only communicate but want to hear what others have to say. He researches what CEOs state in letters to shareholders and what message management conveys, and in interviews asks what kind of forum exists for open communication.

• Who are the ideal people I'd interact with? Am I managing others, and if so, what are they like? What's the person I work for like?

Steve defined his ideal boss as a straight talker with a view of the big picture and a plan, who guides but doesn't overly control, allowing the team to do the work. Team members are more interested in great results than in covering their butts.

• How much money will it take for me to feel valued and motivated?

You can find an ideal job, company, management, culture and people, but if you don't feel fairly compensated, you'll resent every day on the job.

Money should not be your first priority. But you do need to be clear on what makes you feel valued — and be willing to turn down an offer that doesn't.

Steve thought he had found his ideal situation until they offered him an undesirable salary — so he turned it down. They came back and upped the price. Steve asked six key questions and eventually got just what he was looking for.