Scorecard for Job Hunting
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If you’re considering making a career transition, you’re not alone. There was a 2x increase in job posts viewed per application in 2021 compared to 2019, according to LinkedIn's 2022 Global Talent Trends Report. Further, the share of LinkedIn members changing jobs between August and October 2021 vs. the same period in 2019 was 28% in the U.S. and 25% globally.
Amid this Great Reshuffle, companies are reframing their sales pitches to candidates, often placing more focus on flexibility, culture and well-being. In other words, it’s a good time to be a job seeker.
And while an abundance of employers clamoring to offer you a hybrid work environment and better benefits is indeed a good problem to have, hunting for a job in such a climate can also be confusing. Things move quickly, and it can be difficult to effectively compare one opportunity to the next. There is potential to make the type of decision that isn’t aligned with your values. That’s where a Scorecard for Job Hunting comes in.
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Why Use a Scorecard?
Companies evaluate candidates using structured processes. Why shouldn't job seekers do the same with prospective employers?
Of course, companies vary widely in size and scope. Some have 20 employees, some have 20,000. Some are in a rapid growth stage, some are more established. Each company you talk to is going to have different variables to consider, so it’s important for you to have a relatively objective system of comparison.
Creating a scorecard will enable you to grade what an opportunity looks like for you based on your own criteria — to measure if something is the right fit. It will allow you to judge each opportunity in a comparative way and stay true to your focus, without getting distracted by a flashy new project or benefit.
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How to Create a Scorecard
Create your scorecard before you begin talking to companies about new opportunities, if possible. This will allow you to stay organized from the beginning. First, identify your professional values. What are the things that matter most to you at work? Include no more than 5-6 categories for evaluation (any more and comparing opportunities could become overly complicated).
You might also consider weighing the categories. For instance, maybe a company's mission is important to you, but not nearly as important as, say, the ability to work remotely. Maybe you assign the mission category 5 points and the remote work category 10.
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Categories to Include in the Job Scorecard
Only include categories that will move the needle for you. If the opportunity for remote or hybrid work isn’t important to you, leave it off your scorecard. A non-exhaustive list of category examples include:
- Compensation. Does the financial offer meet your needs?
- Stage of the Company. Do you want to be a scrappy problem solver for a startup, or would you rather have a well-defined role at a larger company? Consider if the company’s stage has implications in terms of what you're looking for.
- Manager. Do you like your prospective manager? Will you work well with and have the opportunity to learn from that person?
- Values. Is the company aligned with your personal values/mission?
- Office Environment. Do you have the option to work remotely or in a hybrid environment, or is the role required to be in the office?
- Growth Opportunities. Does the company promote from within and place value on the professional development of its employees?
- Culture. What is the company culture like? Flexible, family-friendly? What is its reputation?
- Sustainability/Diversity & Inclusion. Is it important to you to work for a socially responsible company? Are you looking for a place that focuses on D&I and offers employee resource groups?
Tally up your totals, and voila! Well, it likely won't be that simple, but having those concrete numbers will help you to see opportunities more clearly and compare them more methodically.
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Sample Scorecard
Below, you can enter your email to access a downloadable sample scorecard. Feel free to use this as a basis for your own, and happy job hunting!
Highrise is here to help you navigate transitions and other career events. Schedule a time to learn more here.
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