When looking for a new opportunity, there are a lot of factors that come into play. There are many things to consider when thinking about joining a particular business in a particular role and sometimes with a bit of trepidation. So to make sure your recruiter is targeting the right opportunities for you, and for you to feel comfortable about your next career move, think about what is truly important to you.

Think about what motivates you day to day. What do you want in your professional career? And what DON’T you want. Have a think about non-negotiable objectives that you need in your next role to ensure you enjoy long tenure, but most of all to ensure you’re happy. It could be flexible working arrangements so you can spend more time with your kids. It could be training and development programs, or career progression. Motivators are unique, like you.

Salary and the location of the business are obvious objectives when making a move. Job seekers have said to me, “I don’t care where the business is based, I will travel for the right role.” Whilst this is good in theory, think about your third week into your new role, sitting in peak hour traffic again and about to pull your hair out. Be realistic.

We’ve just released our latest market report and the number one reason for staff retention is culture fit. It definitely reflects the discussions I have with my candidates. So what does a ‘good’ culture fit mean to you? Again, it can be very different for different people. It’s not one size fits all.

Something that I hear all the time is “I like to have open communication.” But again, what does that actually mean to you? Provide specific examples of when something did or didn’t work for you in that regard, explain why and then talk about the outcome or result and what you possibly did to rectify it.

Have an idea of what business you have identified that you would be interested in joining and why. We might be working with them already or we can then also target similar businesses.

Whatever it is that will make you happy in your next role, be really clear and don’t compromise. Also, it’s easier to find a job when you’re in a job. That way, you’re not necessarily under pressure to find something immediately and jump into the wrong opportunity.

Be realistic. Communicate that to your recruiter! We are here to help you and get to the core of what is going to make you truly happy at work. Because if you’re happy, we’re all happy!