If you are looking for a new job, you obviously want to make sure that you are going to receive the salary you deserve for the work you will be doing. However, you also want to make sure that you are paying attention to the benefits and perks you will receive. Having the right perks on the job can make your work more satisfying and ensure that you have the support you need to further your career.

Paid Time Off

Most jobs are going to offer you some level of paid time off, but you should look for employers who go above and beyond. Having sufficient paid time off for vacation, sick time, and personal time can help you to maintain your work-life balance. Unlimited PTO options can be tempting, but before agreeing to a job with unlimited PTO, make sure you understand the company culture surrounding taking time off. If a company has unlimited PTO but discourages actually using it, that is a major red flag. Looking for mandatory minimums for PTO can help you to find better positions.

Flexible Working Hours

In the past, most companies had very strict working hours that you had to follow. But now, many companies are starting to offer more flexible schedules that their employees can take advantage of. Flexible work arrangements like remote work can improve work-life balance. If you like to have a little room in your schedule for adjusting, having a flexible work schedule can be life-changing. 

Wellness Programs

When your employer is invested in your health as a person, it is easier for you to know that you have made the right choice in your career. Companies that offer wellness programs in addition to great health insurance are an awesome choice. Many wellness programs include gym memberships, healthy food options at work, and even access to a personal trainer. Depending on your own health goals, you can use these options to feel better and find satisfaction in your work and your life in general.

As you start looking for new work, it is essential that you prioritize jobs that include great benefits. The things you need and get from your work will vary greatly depending on the kind of work you are doing and the benefits you receive. Choosing a job with a fun company culture and the best perks can set you up for success.

Here’s more to read: High-Paying Trades You Should Look Into

Building a network is an essential part of entering the workforce and expanding your career options. It takes time to build a network, but it’s absolutely worth the effort. Having a good network in place helps you to get better jobs and to progress in your career.

Learn About Opportunities

You can do a lot on your own when searching for jobs and new opportunities. However, you can’t find everything by yourself. The best opportunities are often spread through word of mouth. When you have a network, you can learn about these opportunities from them. People in your network might include past coworkers, faculty you met while in school, others in your field, and more. 

If you keep in touch with these people, they can let you know when they find jobs that fit what you’ve been looking for. They might even know of jobs that you hadn’t considered or heard about previously. You can greatly increase your options of finding the best job if you have others looking as well.

Ask for References

When you apply for a new job, your potential employer might ask for some references. References are critical to getting employees comfortable with the idea of hiring you. Your references know you well and can give employers a better idea of who you are as a person and what type of worker you will be. You can certainly ask past employers to be references for you, but it’s also a good idea to have more than that. 

A network can provide you with plenty of good references. Your network should be made up of people who have known you at various points in your career so you can provide your future employer with a variety of viewpoints. Plus, you can always count on your network to give you glowing recommendations.

Advance Your Skill Set

If you want a better job, then you need to make sure you have the skills and qualifications for it. Typically, you would have to get these on your own but a network can assist you. The people in your network can let you know of opportunities to advance your skillset. They can also connect you to potential mentors in your field. Working with these people can boost you up and help you qualify for better jobs.

You can’t do everything on your own. Having a network can provide you with plenty of support to develop in your field and find the right jobs. Taking the time to expand your network is a worthwhile endeavor.

Did you enjoy this article? Here’s more to read: Great Reasons to Make a Career Change