When it comes to finding a new job, the most successful seekers know that the best jobs are not always just about salary. The truth is, there are a lot of factors that go into every great opportunity, and these are not always the same for everyone.

Salary
While salary isn?t everything, it is important. After all, you can?t use your health care to buy groceries. But you need to determine just how important it is to you. Start by figuring out just how much you need or want to make to be happy. How much do you need to pay your bills, have some fun and still save for the future? Then ask yourself how much extra you need above and beyond the basics in order for you to be truly satisfied. Once you have a range in mind, you can use it to help guide your search.

Benefits
While salary is the top dog for some, the quality of benefits ranks higher for others. Think about your life and figure out what kind of benefits are really important to you. If you have a history of health problems, you should make sure your company?s health care plan is one that offers low co-pays and provides affordable access to specialists. Check to see if the company offers flexible spending accounts for uncovered out-of-pocket expenses. Are you a woman who is planning on starting a family? If so, you should learn about and understand the company?s maternity benefits. If you are not sure exactly which benefits you need or what kinds of benefits are available, you can look at leading companies? Web sites.

Family-Related Factors
For some, a company?s family friendliness is not a factor. However, it is a major issue for others. Do you need a company that can give you a flexible schedule? Do you want a company that puts an emphasis on work/life balance? Some companies offer family-related services such as on-site childcare, flexible scheduling, dependent care reimbursement accounts and more. Other companies do not put as much of an emphasis on families. Make sure you know what you are looking for in this area.

Retirement
Retirement is something many younger workers neglect to think about, but it's an important area to consider. Perhaps having a higher-than-average salary is not as important to you as ensuring that you're taken care of down the line. If so, you need to look closely at the company?s retirement plan. Does it offer a matching 401(k) program? What about profit sharing, pension or stock options? Most companies have some method of helping employees plan for the future - make sure you pay attention to this factor.

Location
While location sounds like a secondary factor, it can be a major deal maker or breaker for some. Do you live in a city with a great deal of traffic? Is there access to public transportation? Would you mind spending two hours in the car each day getting to and from work? Some people don?t mind a long commute, but others shudder at the thought. If you are someone who can?t stand being in the car for long periods of time, make sure you don?t settle for a job that is 40 miles away.

Vacation
While some individuals do not need much time off during the year, others desperately need vacation time to re-energize. If vacation time is important to you, make sure you know how much you are getting and whether or not you can actually use it. Vacation is one area in which prospects can often negotiate when getting a higher salary is out of the question.

Other Factors
Do you have other personal priorities you need to consider? What about training and educational opportunities? Or how about actual work hours? At some companies, working 50 to 55 hours a week is the norm, while others have employees punching the clock at exactly 40. Is it a big deal to you to work overtime? What about the overall work environment? Do you want a big corporate campus complete with a cafeteria, company convenience store, and maybe even a health club; or will you be happy in a small office with 10 employees?

The bottom line is that knowing what your priorities are at the beginning of your job search will help you make sure you are moving in the right direction and focusing your energy on jobs that will truly meet your needs.

---

Job Searching in a Recession
If you are getting ready for a job search during troubled times, here are some tips from the experts.

Can Your Favorite Color Determine Your Perfect Job?
Do you ever wish finding the perfect job could be as easy as 1, 2, 3? According to new research, it might be as easy as red, yellow or blue.



Five Tips for a Smooth Career Change
Have you been feeling like it's time for a big change lately?

Your Dream Job Search Begins Now
Did you have high hopes of being an astronaut or even the president when you were growing up? Now you're stuck behind a pile of papers wondering exactly when you lost the desire to dream big.

Top 5 Things to Consider When Looking for a New Job
Few people are exactly alike when determining what makes them happy at work, but there are some key drivers of job satisfaction. The following article helps you identify those factors and provides you with direction in making the decision to change careers.

What's Important to You in a Job?
If you are looking for a new job or career, the important thing is that you know what your priorities are before you start your job search. Doing so might just save you from regretting your decision in the future. Consider the following workplace values.

Translating Your Skills From Military Jargon to Civilian Language
Figuring out how to translate your military skills to a civilian job is perhaps the biggest obstacle for people looking for a job who are leaving the Armed Forces. You have the experience, but you just don't know how to communicate it without using military jargon.

---