7 factors for finding a job that makes you happy

That old proverb, “Money can’t buy happiness”, is one that is usually applied to life in general. But when it comes to work, a salary that can afford to put food on the table, pay your bills and support your lifestyle comfortably is no doubt vital. But is money still one of the most important factors when finding a job that makes you happy? There are many things to consider when applying for a job, and it’s important to know exactly what you are looking for in your next role.

Before you spend time matching your skills, personality and job requirements to a potential role that you think could bring you happiness, you should first define what happiness means to you and ask yourself, ‘what job is right for me?’.

What job features and factors are non-negotiables when it comes to being happy at work?

Does it come down to a certain level of responsibility, leadership or other factors that make you feel instantly fulfilled each day? Do you find happiness comes from a supportive team culture? Or do you want a job that makes a difference?

Working at a job you love greatly increases your chances of long-term career success and satisfaction, so it’s important to make the right decision for you.

Here are some key factors to think about when deciding if a job will suit you, as well as how to find the right job for you and even how to decide between two jobs that you might be tossing up.

Personality & skills

Your job should be compatible with your attitude, beliefs and personality. It should make use of your key strengths and abilities but also give you the opportunity to gain new skills and knowledge in the areas you want to develop. If the job suits you, the work will be interesting and stimulating over the course of your time in the position. Don’t be afraid to be transparent about these factors when you first enquire or interview for a new role.

Salary, entitlements & conditions

It goes without saying that salary is often at the top of the list of things to consider when applying for a job. The salary should provide fair and lawful compensation for your skills and experience. Find out how performance is measured and how often it is reviewed. It’s also important to ensure that company policies align with conditions that are important to you, such as leave provisions – breaks, overtime, public holidays, and time in lieu. A flexible working arrangement is often one of most companies' key job features, as it is a huge contributing factor when it comes to positive company culture.

Also, don’t overlook the conditions for ending employment. When the time comes, can you imagine working off, for example, a 2-month notice period?

Company profile

For a job to suit you, the company values must align with your own, and those values are one of the biggest things to consider when applying for a job. Most companies will have their mission statement, vision and values somewhere on their website – have a look and see if their motto reflects where you’re currently at and where you want to be. Also, research the quality of leadership on offer, the company’s financial position and future plans. Can you see yourself on that same journey, or does it deviate from your personal career plans?

Cultural fit

At the extreme end, a lot of people leave their job due to a toxic culture. To avoid this, ask your trusted colleagues, friends and mentors about companies you’re hoping to apply for. Do employees love working there? Why? Or is there a high turnover? What’s the cause of this, and is the company doing anything to address it? Positive company culture should be at the top of your ‘what are you looking for in your next role’ list.

If you’re using a professional recruitment consultant, enquire about business reputation, as they’ll have a good idea of what the company culture is like. Recruiters are experts at not only matching the right person for the role from an experience perspective but also from a cultural fit. A recruiter may also have a number of options to present to you, and they can provide assistance on how to decide between two jobs that you might be interested in.

Is the company diverse in its culture? Are there any diversity and inclusion initiatives in place? These are important things to consider when applying for a job.

The more you get along with your team, office and wider company, the happier you’ll be in your role.

Career progression

A key indicator of job satisfaction and overall job happiness is the opportunity for growth. Ensure the job and company have clear prospects for career development. You can do this by asking if the business offers a professional training and development program.

Otherwise, if you have suggestions or requirements around certain continued professional development, ensure you raise this at your first interview. Many companies are open to this, as they encourage their employees to dictate their professional development plan and understand that each role will have specific needs in order to best support its talent. A company with a number of career progression opportunities is a great thing to bear in mind when considering what you are looking for in your next role.

After all, if you don’t feel like you’re progressing or learning, you may find this will affect whether the role makes you happy in the end.

Purpose, CSR & volunteer days

Does the role inspire you? Does it align with your purpose? Are you able to make genuine changes and contributions through your job? Then perhaps it’s worthwhile searching for jobs that make a difference.

What about companies that offer an annual leave day for a corporate social responsibility (CSR) day? Research has shown employees who participate in a company’s CSR and corporate volunteering programs are twice as likely to be satisfied with their career progression. So it might be the difference between liking your job and loving your job. Asking about CSR during your job interview may also make you stand out from other candidates, as it demonstrates your desire to give back and make a difference beyond your role.

Employee benefits

Common benefits that many companies now offer include gym, health insurance and shopping discounts. There might also be a social committee and team building days, which are purely for the social side of work. Connected to this are wider celebrations such as a Christmas party to wrap up the year, as a way for the company to say thank you for all the hard work of its staff.

For international businesses, working in another office overseas could be what you’ve been looking for as you level up in your career. Some companies highly encourage an overseas stint and will have a dedicated structure in place to ensure the transition goes as smoothly as possible.

Finding a role that makes you happy will always be determined at an individual level – what works for one person will be completely different from somebody else. So ensure you take the time to reflect on these seven factors and consider any other areas that are important to your happiness.