FAQs: What to Consider 
When Looking at Companies for a Job 

Looking for a new job? Need a quick list of questions to consider when looking at companies?

Well, here you go…s

1.  What benefits and compensation should I compare between companies?

Look at salary ranges, bonuses, equity options, retirement contributions, healthcare coverage, and other perks like commuter benefits.

It’s called a ‘package’ for a reason and worth the time spent in knowing what you want compared to what they’re offering and what compromises may need to be made.

2.  How important is location and commute?

Consider whether the office is accessible, if remote or hybrid options are offered, and how much commuting would affect your work–life balance.

Since Covid home working has become more usual, but if you have to attend the office once a week, or month, can you get there?

If you’re office-bound, how long is the journey and is it a straight route or, if commuting, will it entail changes along the way. Commuting can, for instance, give you time to prepare, or wind down but look at the time you’ll have to use for it.

3.  What is the company’s approach to work–life balance?

Check typical working hours, expectations about overtime, flexibility in scheduling, and support for parental leave or caregiving.

4.  What should I know about the company’s stability?

Review financial health, funding (if a startup), growth trajectory, and whether the company has experienced frequent layoffs or restructuring.

No companies are redundancy-proof, but reviewing their long-term plans, history and whether they’re at the mercy of changing regulations can give you comfort.

5.  How do I evaluate career development opportunities?

Ask about mentorship, training programs, internal mobility, tuition reimbursement, and how promotions are typically handled.

Are promotions structured? What happened to the person in the job you’re looking into?

6.  What’s the culture like, and how can I find out?

Culture can be assessed by employee reviews, talking to current or past staff, observing diversity and inclusion practices, and noting how the company treats people in the hiring process.

When interviewing in person, take a look at current staff. Are they smiling, are their desks over-flowing? Do they appear stressed or calm? Are any phone calls calm or tense?

7.  How can I tell if the company’s values align with mine?

Look for mission statements, sustainability commitments, social impact initiatives, or policies on issues you care about.

8.  Should I care about the company’s size and structure?

Yes - smaller companies may offer broader responsibilities but less stability, while larger companies may provide clearer career paths but more bureaucracy.

Ask about turnover in the team, the reason the position is open, and whether the role aligns with the company’s long-term strategy.

9.  What role does leadership and management play in my decision?

Research the leadership team’s track record, transparency, and how approachable or supportive managers seem to be.

How many people are in your department and/or team?

Do they offer mentorship support? Are managers deemed to be approachable?

10.  Are there hidden costs I should consider?

Yes - think about relocation expenses, cost of living in the area, healthcare out-of-pocket costs, and whether benefits actually meet your needs.

Again, check out the whole hiring package, it can be worth taking a smaller salary for long-term benefits.

11.  How do I compare multiple offers fairly?

Weigh compensation, benefits, culture, growth potential, and lifestyle factors together - not just salary.

While salary is all-important when you’re starting out, if you’re planning to stay with a company long-term, healthcare and pension benefits will count.

Final thoughts…

When looking for a company to work for it’s more than just salary that needs consideration. To be truly amazing at a job you’ll spend a good part of your day at, you need to be happy with the company employing you.

Do the research and open the doors to a job you can excel at while being appreciated for doing so.

Lastly, I wanted to both wish you luck and say that I know you can do it.

Success is within your grasp!

Good luck,