4 Questions to Help Find Your Best Job

Millennials and Gen Z should expect to change jobs frequently. Or should they?

In the eight years since we graduated college, everyone in my friends group has changed their job at least once. ?Changing jobs can be a valuable experience – but it’s not the only way to explore a career path. ?

I am happy to be the exception among my friends, still working at the company where I began my HR career after college. To be honest, I have been told I’m an old soul, so maybe it’s not too much of a surprise, but I believe Millennials and Gen Z should not necessarily think that they have to change jobs every year – and experience all the related stress – to discover their career sweet spot.

Two factors are the secret to my success: I enjoy the work I do and I work for an incredible company.

If you’re still looking for your dream career, I encourage you to branch out to discover career options to help find one that fits you and your unique talents. While an undergrad at Rutgers University, I took an elective in Human Resources and immediately realized that I’d found my calling.?Not everyone is able to find their career path in that way, but pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone can often surprise you!

To identify a company where you will succeed and have the opportunity to grow, you need to do some research. Here are four questions to ask when reviewing potential employers.

1. Does this organization share my values?

I am very family-oriented, including my close friends who I consider family. At Phibro Animal Health Corporation, I found an employer who values family just as much as I do.

My colleagues are like a family and the workplace feels like a second home. I missed seeing my coworkers in person during the lockdown and it is refreshing now that we are able to interact face-to-face. This family-oriented atmosphere is the primary reason why I have enjoyed coming to work here for eight years. If you work for an organization that values the same things you do, you will not be looking for another offer.

Tip: You can get an idea of what values the organization has by looking at their website, their social media pages, and other company review websites.?And of course, you can ask about their values in an interview – it’s always a good idea to have questions prepared to ask your potential employer.

2. Does the organization invest in its people?

Earning my master’s degree was a priority for me right from the get-go. During my initial interview with Phibro, I asked if they offered tuition reimbursement -- it would have been a deal-breaker if they hadn’t! Because of Phibro’s excellent tuition program, I was able to earn my MBA with an HR concentration while working full time and I will always be extremely grateful for that opportunity.

“Continuous investment in our people, our company and our industry is essential for future growth” is one of Phibro’s core beliefs. The tuition program is just one example of how they express that belief. The company has a tremendous Learning Management System of online courses, trainings and certifications – all for free for our employees around the globe! Through my work in HR, I encourage our employees to take advantage of this valuable resource as much as they can.

Tip: When scoping out potential companies, ask about how they invest in their employees, including health care. That might not immediately come to mind as an investment like Tuition Reimbursement does, but health care is a huge investment for businesses, including health insurance, fitness programs and wellness incentives.

3. Does the organization encourage growth?

I started as an HR admin at Phibro and I’m now in my fourth position within the company. As the

HR Systems and Process Manager, I helped build our global Human Resource Information System from the ground up. This experience has helped me grow personally and develop skills in the valuable field of HR tech. Growing within a company could mean more advancement than lateral moves to other organizations.

Informal relationships can be an overlooked benefit of the workplace. Phibro’s culture encourages and nurtures new employees, which allows for natural mentorships to develop. I have literally learned life lessons while talking to co-workers in the kitchen. We also often have opportunities to participate in many cross-functional and international projects, which further fosters mentoring and advising relationships.

Tip: You can ask about how often the company promotes from within to get an idea of the opportunities for growth.

4. What’s the longevity of employees?

You can learn a lot about a company just by knowing the average tenure of its employees. For instance, many of the people I work with today started at Phibro before I did – over 10, 20 and 30 years ago! Culture is huge in determining how happy you are at your job and longevity is a key indicator of a healthy culture.

Tip: A company with a good culture like Phibro will tend to brag about it without being asked. You can ask your interviewers about their favorite aspects of the work environment. If there is long tenure at that company, it’s bound to be part of their answer.

When a company is investing in its people, it shows. When people grow and develop organically, you have fun working with them and learning from their experiences. No matter where you are in your career, finding the right organization that fosters well-rounded growth and development makes all the difference between a quick layover and growing to be the best version of yourself, both personally and professionally.