5 Things to Look for in an Employer

It’s difficult to tell from a job description alone whether you will be a good fit for a job, let alone an employer. Factors like culture, personalities and growth potential all come into play and determine whether you will love or hate your position. Knowing what to look for in an employer can help you steer clear of a bad situation and vice versa!

Here are five things to look for in an employer to ensure you make the right decision next time you’re on the hunt:

1. Does the company culture appeal to you?

Culture is a bit of a buzzword these days, but all it really means is people. People and their personalities determine culture, so really, what you need to figure out is: do you get along with your boss? Are your personalities compatible? Do you have things in common with the people you’ve talked to at the company? If the answer is yes, then chances are you’ll be a good culture fit!

At VanGo, we're all about the gift of flavor, so if you drop by on Wednesdays, we have a free home-cooked company lunch—not to mention an assortment of donuts on most other days. When you work here, you don't just get to vape flavors, you get to eat them too!

2. Do the employer’s values line up with your own?

Values are another point of interest these days. Everybody is busy coming up with a mission and vision statement, but what we’re talking about here is a bit different. What does your boss value personally? What do your coworkers care about? If your personal values are radically different than those of your co-workers, the job is simply not a good fit.

3. Is there potential to learn new skills?

Continuous learning will help you get ahead in life. Developing new skills will allow you to grow as a professional and move your career forward. It also keeps things interesting! Ask your potential employer if they would be willing to support your growth by sending you to seminars or creating an account on a learning website. That is, if career growth is something that is important to you!

4. Will you be challenged in a positive manner?

Learning takes place when we are challenged, not when we are bored. Getting out of your comfort zone is one of the fastest ways to pick up new skills and find out what you enjoy as a professional. That said, being way out of your depth isn’t fun either. Look for an employer that will challenge you in a positive way, and that you are excited to work for.

5. Does the employer offer security?

Last but not least, one of the most important things to look for in an employer is job security. The whole point of a job is to support yourself and your family, so make sure you choose an employer you know you’ll be able to depend on. Look at a company’s track record, their growth in recent years, their reputation online... All these factors will help you make an informed decision.

At VanGo, we strive to create an environment where our employees are happy and empowered. We're a family business, and we consider our team part of that family! We hope you find an employer that treats you with the same respect.

Tune into this week’s episode of VanGo After Dark for more on what to look for in an employer and how to tell if a job is for you!