Grad careers and job fulfilment

What’s a 35k salary if you hate your job? Job fulfilment is becoming more important in the world of grad careers... read on to discover what it is and how to make sure you get it.

For the average graduate, the shadow of bank overdrafts and student loans makes money the biggest concern when looking for a job. But recruitment surveys show that salary and benefits have been joined by prospects for professional development, being part of a team, plus challenging, enjoyable tasks and a good working atmosphere. As graduate starting salaries tend not to differ much within a sector, what can you use to base your decision if not the prospect of filthy lucre? The surveys suggest that jobseekers want job fulfilment, not just shiny pennies.

By jumping at the first job that offers over your threshold salary, you’re helping no one.

Graduates looking for their first job should try to ‘switch off the “got-debt-need-a-job” panic button’ and take time to find something that floats their boats. Committing yourself to a two-year graduate scheme for a role purely for the money can be a dicey move.

Good employers are more than aware that happy people work better - by jumping at the first job that offers over your threshold salary, you’re helping no one. As the increasing use of psychometric and other personality testing in the recruitment process demonstrates, businesses want you to fit in too.

So, what’s important to you in a job? How your skills and interests can be best employed? To get ideas:

Look back at any holiday or part-time work you might have done so far and pick out any aspects you particularly liked or disliked.
See how other people’s jobs appeal to you.
Evaluate your hobbies and pastimes: can any favourite elements be transferred to the workplace?

If you’re still struggling to come up with anything, think instead about those people you admire. Pick a figure you consider inspirational, be they a celebrity, a family member or a local hero - anyone that has inspired you in the past. Go over which of their qualities you admire and see if you can relate them to yourself and to a job.

Find an employer that fits

Next, try researching employers to find one that feels right for you. Job fulfilment isn’t just about having a job that you enjoy; it’s as much feeling a part of the company and being proud of your own contribution. By ensuring your skills and personality match the job, you’re more likely to be able to succeed in your role and as such feel the personal pride of a job well done.

Find out what working life is like
There isn’t a quick way to do this. Talking to existing employees can be a great way to gain an insight into what it’s actually like to work for a firm. This can be a bit tricky if you don’t know anyone who’s already working for your target businesses. You could try getting in touch with someone through one of the social networking sites or through networking events but make sure you play by the rules and don't get yourself a stalking reputation!

Use targetjobs.co.uk to start your research
Another tactic is to use the resources on this site. For example the graduate views provide a useful understanding of what it’s like to work for a particular employer. Issues such as the company’s ethics may be a factor – those who despise the ‘corporate machine’ might do well to avoid multinationals – though many companies are taking steps to improve their social responsibility and sustainability. If you are something of a free spirit, a highly bureaucratic organisation might make you feel constrained, despite ticking all the boxes elsewhere.

Think about where a graduate job could take you
Career progression also determines job fulfilment, as you’re unlikely to want to be stuck in exactly the same position for too long. Aspects of a company such as the support structure and development opportunities may not be something you consider before taking a job but can have a profound effect on your enjoyment of your job a short way down the line. These are issues you should take into account when doing your research.

If you can, get a feel for your likely boss
In one recent survey, 26 per cent of people had left their last job because they didn’t get on with their boss. Do you sense that your employers will give you a pat on the back if you do well in the job? What about the rest of the team? The same survey found that over 73 per cent of respondents considered ‘friendly, supportive colleagues’ to be the most important factor for happiness at work.

Work, rest and play

Some issues concerning work-life balance.

Britons tend to work the longest hours in Europe. Are you heading for a nine-to-nine working day? If so, are the rewards enough?
If your home life is great but your job is hell (or vice versa) one will unavoidably affect the other. Balance is the key.
How much challenge will the job offer? Being bored can be awful; but too much challenge could make you stressed rather than stretched.

You might want to take on temp work or non-graduate jobs while you search for a permanent post that you really want. Simply explain to the recruiter that you needed to take the time to find a position that suited your skills and your needs. Temping can also be a good opportunity to put some of the transferable skills developed during your studies - for example analytical powers - to practical use, giving you some useful experience to add weight to your CV.

And finally, don’t be disheartened if your first grad job doesn’t work out as planned. Think it through, break down the factors and take control and you should be happier, more fulfilled and have a better life all round. A job isn’t about immediate gratification: with instant downloads, microwave roast dinners and speed dating, we have come to expect things to happen immediately. Unless you’re very lucky, you may have to work at job fulfilment.