What makes up your dream job and what appeals to you about it? Finding the right job goes beyond enjoying what you do. Understanding what you need to make it possible and be successful is important to developing a long-term and fulfilling career. By learning more about yourself, you can also save time on the job research. Check out these five things job seekers should consider before jumping into the job hunt.

1 - Job responsibilities and requirements

What kind of work do you find meaningful and how passionate are you about it? Choosing a job that you value and are motivated to succeed at can boost your engagement, productivity, satisfaction, and happiness in the long run. However, commitment can also only take you so far. Determine if you have the skills, or the necessary support and ability to acquire the skills, to do the job and do it well.

2 - Compensation and benefits

Does the average salary cover your bills and support your lifestyle? Know what you're looking for in benefits, including insurance, a retirement package, paid time off, vacation time, and bonuses. What job perks are you willing to compromise on? Your needs may also change depending on where you're at on the stage of your working and personal life. Making sure that your job or a company can make later accommodations may also be important.

3 - Work schedule and travel distance

There are only so many hours in a day and it's impossible to fit everything in. What is your preferred schedule? Do you seek an opportunity with rigid hours or offers flexibility? How you commute and the travel also eats into the amount of time you can set aside for other things. Perhaps you prefer a remote opportunity or is open to relocating closer to a worksite. Consider your social, mental, and physical health when weighing your personal and professional obligations and what you find as an acceptable work-life balance.

4 - Career trajectory and personal development

Are you an entry-level worker? Find out where you stand on your desired career path, where you want to go, and your next step to get there. Ask yourself if you are seeking a job with long-term stability or it is a stepping stone for your next opportunity at the company or elsewhere. Understanding this is important in landing a job that will challenge you and lead to personal and professional growth, build your skills, or lead to a promotion and advancement.

5 - Company and team

Do you require investment in your training and development, communication and feedback, or recognition for your work? Everyone seeks different things from a boss, coworkers, and employers. The right culture, aligned company values, and a great team can have an impact on you. It can build your expectations about your job, determine your comfort and engagement level, boost your feelings of respect, generate invaluable networking and social interactions, foster great collaboration and teamwork, and more.

What do you look for and take into consideration when searching for the right job?