The Perfect Job Trifecta for Job-Seekers
Are you searching for an entry-level job that checks all the boxes? Great pay, nearby location, work perks like free meals, and fun coworkers, etc.?
There are so many benefits to having a job while in high school and college! But it can be hard to find a job that meets all your expectations—so it’s helpful to decide which aspects you value more than others.
When looking for a job, there are many factors to consider: pay, flexibility, culture, growth opportunities, and more. As a job seeker, it’s essential to understand what you value most and prioritize these factors when evaluating job opportunities.
To make things easier, we introduce the Perfect Job Trifecta. This theory considers pay, flexibility, and management/culture as the main pillars of job satisfaction to help you evaluate what job will best meet your needs. Most jobs won’t hit perfection in all three categories, but you can certainly look for companies that prioritize at least two of these pillars to have a better shot at loving your job!
Here’s a closer look at a few things you will want to consider when evaluating employment opportunities:
PAY
The best part of having a job is seeing the deposit in your bank account every two weeks! We get it, pay is a huge factor to consider when applying for or accepting a job. However, it’s important to remember that money isn’t everything. Would you rather have high pay with poor work culture or slightly less pay with a job culture that you love? We’ll dive deeper into culture later on in the article, but it is something to consider at this point. A job that pays well but doesn’t align with your values or interests can lead you to dread each shift and burn out of your enthusiasm quickly.
When evaluating the compensation, look beyond the base hourly pay. Consider additional perks such as free meals during each shift, discounts on merchandise, paid scheduled breaks, and more! These perks can add up to significantly impact the value of a job offer.
FLEXIBILITY
During this stage of your life, you’re trying to squeeze so many activities into a single day. From keeping up on your school work and practicing the piano to cheering in the Friday night football stands and hanging out with friends, your schedule is pretty much packed! Looking for a job that will allow you to make some money while still enjoying your regular life can be tricky! That’s where job flexibility comes into play.
Flexibility can include how many hours you work each week, how much time off you can request, and even how often you’re able to swap shifts with co-workers. For example, maybe you only want to work 10 hours per week, but a particular employer requires that you work a minimum of 15 hours each week. Are you willing to put in those extra hours, or do you need to find a job that will schedule you for the hours you want? You may also want to know if you will have to work every Friday night or if you will get some Fridays off. Another factor to consider is your manager’s flexibility in allowing you to trade shifts with your coworkers when you have a conflict. These factors of flexibility are all essential to consider when evaluating entry-level job opportunities in high school or college.
MANAGEMENT/CULTURE
The management and culture at your place of work can significantly impact how much you like (or dislike) the job. Good management can provide mentorship, growth opportunities, and a positive work environment. You will want a manager who encourages you and tells you “good job” — not one who only talks to you if there is an issue to be resolved. A company’s culture can also impact your values and sense of purpose.
When evaluating a job’s management and culture, research the company’s values, mission, and work environment. Consider asking questions during the interview process to get a sense of the company’s culture and management style. Do they prioritize employee well-being and growth? Are they socially responsible and committed to making a positive impact? If you know somebody who has worked there before, you may want to ask them what their experience was like.
In summary, the Perfect Job Trifecta can help you know what to consider when looking for a job and evaluating various opportunities. While most people care first and foremost about pay, it’s important to consider additional aspects like schedule, flexibility, and company culture before making your final decision. By accurately prioritizing these factors to meet your individual needs, you will be more likely to find a job that you want to keep for longer than just one summer to help you gain valuable work experience.
