5 Danger Signs That You're About To Choose The Wrong Employer
Look out for five signs when choosing your next employer.
By Angela Rose for Hcareers.com
When’s the last time you did something dangerous?
If you’re not a skydiver, alligator wrestler, racecar driver or cat wrangler, you may have said, “Never.” However, you’re likely taking more risks than you think just by getting out of bed in the morning. Between slippery shower floors and steep stairs, unwieldy knives and electrical outlets, there are dozens of things in your home that could kill you on any given day. Though decidedly dangerous, most of them are rather unavoidable.
But what about your job? While you may love working in the hospitality industry, taking a job at the wrong hotel or restaurant—one that doesn’t suit your values, career goals or personality—can seriously detract from your quality of life. Though unlikely to kill you, a bad cultural fit at work can lead to painful job dissatisfaction. For many, this dissatisfaction eventually leads to a new job search. In fact, according to a recent survey by OfficeTeam, a leading staffing service in the U.S., sixty-six percent of human resource managers reported that their organizations had lost employees for that very reason.
Fortunately, it’s fairly easy to avoid an unhappy hospitality job situation. Before you accept your next prep cook, lobby attendant or assistant general manager position, look for these danger signs that you’re about to choose the wrong employer.
1. You don’t agree with the company’s principles.
If giving back to the community is important to you, you’re probably going to be happier working for a hotel that is committed to philanthropy rather than one that only cares about the bottom line. If you long to be part of an organization that treats its employees like family, you’re unlikely to get very far if you choose a restaurant that doesn’t invest in the careers of its workers. Research the company so you know who you want to work for.
2. You prefer to work alone (or as a team).
Whether you’re a bartender who prefers to be the only one pouring drinks or a night auditor who prefers peace and quiet to conversation, you’re not likely to find satisfaction working at a hotel or restaurant that requires teamwork—and vice versa. During the interview, ask the hiring manager whether the position is autonomous or collaborative. Don’t choose a position that doesn’t fit with your preferences if you intend to be in it for the long haul.
3. You’re an innovator (or a rule follower).
If you enjoy finding new ways to accomplish the duties of your hospitality job, you’re unlikely to find satisfaction working for a boss who is an innovation killer. On the flip side, if you’re more comfortable following the same steps every time you complete a task, don’t choose an employer who encourages the staff to innovate. You may want to ask the hiring manager questions about the degree of improvisation the position requires.
4. You prefer large (or small) establishments.
Workload, pace, noise level, supervision—you’re going to find differences in virtually every aspect of work environment when comparing small and large hotels and restaurants. If you prefer one, but are considering a job at the other, you’re in danger of choosing the wrong employer. You should think carefully about the type of environment that best suits your personality and working style before you even begin applying for new positions.
5. You want benefits that the company isn’t offering.
Whether you’re a sous chef or a housekeeping manager, a generous benefits package—complete with vacation and personal time—can make any job look more desirable. However, if you need other perks—like flexible hours or a four-day workweek—to maintain work-life balance, you shouldn’t accept employment at a hotel or restaurant that doesn’t offer them. If you do so, you’re likely to find yourself unhappy in your new position.
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About the Author
Angela Rose researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends, and workplace issues for Hcareers.com.
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