Tips on how to find the right job in the right company and what to think about before you apply
Looking for a new job can feel a bit overwhelming.
With endless vacancies, mixed messages about workplace culture, and pressure to keep up with rapid changes in the job market, it’s easy to feel tempted to apply for anything that looks “good enough.” But a successful job search isn’t just about landing an offer – it’s about finding a role and a company where you actually feel happy, supported, and able to grow.
Taking a little time to think things through before you apply can make a huge difference. Here’s what to keep in mind when you’re searching for the right job and the right workplace.
1. Do you know what you want?
Before you start scrolling through job sites, pause for a moment and ask yourself what you truly want next. Are you after better work–life balance? A clear progression path? More stability? A more meaningful type of work? There’s no right or wrong answer – what matters is being honest with yourself. Once you know what you’re looking for, it becomes much easier to filter out opportunities that don’t align with your goals.
Consider looking ahead five years from now and picture where you want to be. While it’s helpful to focus on what you need today, it’s equally wise to consider where you want to be in a couple of years. Does this role lead you in that direction? Will it help you build the skills and experience you want? A good job shouldn’t just be a short-term fix – it should move you forward.
Take a look at RNN Group’s Five Year Strategic Plan
2. It’s your strengths that matter
A good job match starts with understanding what you bring to the table. Think back to the roles where you’ve felt most confident or proud of your work. What skills were you using? What type of environment helped you perform at your best? Getting clear on your strengths not only boosts your confidence but also guides you towards roles where you’ll genuinely thrive rather than simply “cope”.
If you need help with this there are lots of resources available to you to find your strengths and focus on them if you are not sure about what they are. Insights is a good one and a profile that the RNN Group uses to support management to help develop their skills and strengths. Strengthsfinder is another.
3. Research the company
It’s not just the job title that matters – the employer behind it plays a huge role in your day-to-day experience. Take some time to read about the organisation. Look at its values, recent news, leadership, and how it communicates publicly.
Current and former employees often share their experiences online, and although every review should be taken with a pinch of salt, patterns can be revealing.
Culture is especially important. Think about whether you prefer a fast-paced environment or something more steady, a collaborative atmosphere or a more independent one. If a company’s culture doesn’t align with your working style, it can quickly affect your motivation and wellbeing.
4. Look beyond the job description
Job descriptions vary wildly – some are incredibly detailed while others barely capture the basics. Don’t take them at face value. Try to get a sense of what the role is really about. Does it offer the kind of development you’re hoping for? Is the workload likely to be manageable? Is it clear what success looks like? If anything feels vague or unclear, it’s something worth asking about later in the process.
Take a look at roles currently available at the RNN Group
5. Consider the whole package
Salary matters, of course, but it’s only one part of the picture. Benefits, holiday allowances, pensions, flexibility, wellbeing support, and professional development opportunities all add up. Sometimes a slightly lower salary comes with far better long-term value. Think about what will genuinely make a difference to your lifestyle and career – not just what looks impressive on paper.
Everyone is different and wants different things out of a role and this is important to consider.
6. Check the company’s stability and future direction
A great job can become less appealing if the company is going through constant restructuring or financial uncertainty.
A little research can give you reassurance: Look at how the organisation is performing, what’s happening in its industry, and whether it seems to be growing, changing or struggling. This doesn’t need to be a deep investigation – just enough to help you understand the bigger picture.
7. Think about fit and feel
Finding the right workplace isn’t only about whether you fit in, but whether the company feels like a place where you can be yourself. Think about whether the organisation values different perspectives, supports growth, and treats employees with respect. Trust your instincts – if something feels off during your research or interactions, it’s worth paying attention to.
Many organisations sign up to Investors in Diversity. RNN Group was 38th last year of 100 companies and not only that it has signed up to and promotes the FREDIE values to all staff and students.
Finding the right job and the right company takes a bit of reflection, research, and self-awareness, but it’s time well spent. When you approach your job search thoughtfully, you’re far more likely to end up somewhere that feels right – not just somewhere that offered you a role. And that difference can shape not only your career, but also your confidence and overall wellbeing.