What to look for in your first job after graduation

Getting your first “real” job out of university can be exciting and intimidating at the same time. You are about to take your first step into the professional world and start building your career. Once again, you will be the new person, the “fresher.” You probably have several questions spinning around in your head – “What do I look for in my first job?” “What kind of pay should I expect?&rdqup; “How will I know if a job is right for me?” – these questions are normal. This is your guide to help you figure out exactly what to look for in the way of benefits, compensation, and job expectations.

What To Look For

As a recent university graduate with little or no experience, your best chance at getting into a good company is to start by applying for entry-level positions or graduate schemes. Think back to your previous jobs, internships, and volunteer work. You can use these past experiences to show ability, dedication, and leadership to your prospective employers. An entry-level position will be your foot in the door at the company. Expect to be in that position for a year or two before being promoted. Look for a job that allows you to move up. You aren’t looking for stagnation.

There are several criteria by which you evaluate a job offer. Hopefully, you have more than one offer on the table. The goal isn’t to pick the first one that lands in your lap. One of the obvious criteria to consider is the pay. You should research what the typical pay is for that position and compare it to what the company is offering you. Make sure you are going to be compensated fairly.

Compensation

Along with pay, you should carefully examine other forms of compensation. Many forms of pay come to you indirectly. But what is indirect compensation, really? It includes leave, health insurance, company phones, company vehicles, life insurance, and overtime. Benefits are a huge part of your compensation package. You should take time to evaluate the direct and indirect compensation. A great benefits package can outshine a lower salary, and vice versa.

Time Commitment

One of the most important factors to consider is time. Hourly employees don’t usually work as much overtime as salaried employees. This is often because they are getting paid for those extra hours. If you are working for a salary, a 40-hour work week may seem more than fair. However, be wary of getting stuck in a position that consistently requires you to punch 50 and 60-hour work weeks at no extra compensation. Talking to people already in that position and doing online research is a good way to find out what your standard work week will look like.

Expenses

Jobs don’t come without an expense. Transportation, professional clothes, and living costs are all things to consider when taking a new job. If you are expecting a higher salary than your current one, but you have to relocate to a more expensive city, you may actually lose money. A new wardrobe for a professional position can be costly and will need to be acquired before you start. If you have to purchase a season ticket this can be a significant financial outlay so it’s worth checking if the company you are joining offer a ‘season ticket loan’ to help cover the cost.

The Most Important Factor

While your first job out of university may only be a stepping stone to higher positions, it will likely be an important part of your life. If you hope to stay with the same company for a long time, there is one important factor you should consider before accepting an offer. Ask yourself, “Do the values of the company align with my values?” The mission statement and core principles are often listed on the company website. Choosing a position with a company with values similar to yours will ensure a higher sense of fulfilment and allow you to be content at your job for years to come.