Looking for a new job? Then you’re probably eager to avoid some of the pitfalls. Working for a ‘bad’ employer can have knock-on effects that could impact your health and wellbeing. Working for a great one can transform your life for the better.

We’ve compiled this quick guide to help you to make the most of your job search and end up at a company that’s the right fit for you.

1. Staff retention is strong

How long have people worked for the company that’s interviewing you? This is often a good indication of how enjoyable it is to be there and the opportunities for growth and career development. These are things that probably matter a lot to you too. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about employee retention and turnover.

This will help you to understand whether this is a priority for your employer and whether they’ve effectively managed to overcome the Great Resignation or are still floundering.

2. Team members seem to care about what they do

Do people working there seem to be engaged with the company and their work? Apathy is a disaster in the workplace, impacting the results of projects and the overall atmosphere of the business.

Professionals want work that really sparks their curiosity and challenges them (in a good way). Few people want a working environment that doesn’t interest them so check the engagement levels of employees. If it seems high, then that’s a great sign. High morale will impact whether you want to go to work each day or whether you come to dread it.

3. The leadership team strives to be inspirational

What’s the leadership team like? Do they seem like inspiring people who you’ll want to work alongside? Leaders take many different forms and the type who suits you could be very different from someone who would motivate others. That’s why taking an individual approach to your job search is so important.

Do you feel seen and understood by the leaders you’ve met? How do they interact with subordinates? Consider these aspects carefully when you’re looking for a new job as either could impact how long you stay in the new role.

4. They already talked to you about work/life balance

Nobody wants to live to work but we do spend a large proportion of our adult lives in the workplace. Knowing your employer is going to facilitate a healthy work/life balance is essential. Ask about team hobbies and opportunities for growth.

What policies are in place for employee leave? Does the culture feel like a good fit? How about sick leave? What hours are expected? Ask around. Don’t simply rely on what your interviewer tells you, ask some of the team too. All these elements will combine to give you some insight into whether this is somewhere you’ll truly want to work.