When you’re looking for a new job, there’s more to consider than just a paycheck. We often focus more on what employers are seeking in employees, but it’s equally important to evaluate the company you’re going to be working with to be sure it’s the right place for you. 

Take a look at these top qualities that any employee should look for in pursuit of a better employer:

1. Consider the company’s investment in their employee’s professional growth and education. As people are promoted, others need to be prepared to move up into the ranks, trained, and confident to handle new responsibilities. Knowing your employer will invest in your future is a major motivator.
2. Is the company culture a good fit for you? In addition to meeting goals and generating profits, they should aim to be a good corporate citizen, be aware of environmental concerns, contribute to the local community and help employees when they’re faced with challenges. 
3. Is it an enjoyable place to work? Creativity thrives in a fun and positive atmosphere where team members enjoy each other, share responsibilities, help out in times of need, and generally enjoy coming to work. Think of the tech start-ups in Silicon Valley and the Pike Place Fish Market in Seattle. Those companies strive to ensure employees have extra perks that make the job more enjoyable.
4. Strong leadership is invaluable. Having a manager who can mentor, advise, encourage and teach goes a long way toward your professional growth and career development. Leaders like that can inspire you to take an offer from one company over another.
5. Work-life balance is so important to sustaining your relationships and your health. Knowing that your employer respects time off, your pursuits outside of work, and maintains a regular shift schedule makes a huge difference in your job satisfaction.
6. Company ethics is another area to consider. You want to work with people who respect the rules, treat others fairly, and whose values align with your own. Many millennials feel strongly about working for an organization that supports social missions and cares for the environment.
7. Diversity is also a strong value to many younger people. Seeing women in positions of power and working in teams that are diverse in terms of culture, gender and race show an open-minded company culture that rewards merit and hard work.
8. Company stability plays a big role, especially now. As we recover and re-open from the pandemic this year, companies that are fiscally responsible and stable will still be around. That means you’ll still have a job when things improve. Make sure the company you’re considering is making headlines for the right reasons and not raising red flags with legal issues and financial troubles.

A great place to start when looking for qualities in a future employer is their employer profile on Hcareers. You can get insight into their values, their management team, the culture, and more to help you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.

Of course, other considerations are important in your job choice: as well as salary, the potential for profit sharing, and good health benefits are very important things to look for in an employment relationship.  Finding the right job for you means thinking about more than the paycheck. Make sure you ask enough questions to ensure the organization, as well as the job itself, is a good match for you.