When you’re looking for your first job after graduation, it can be hard to know what offer to take.
While salary is important, it’s not everything, and there’s so much more you need to consider if you want to land a role you enjoy five days a week.
To help you identify what makes a great graduate job, here’s our pick of the most important company perks to consider when on the graduate job hunt.
Read on to find out some of the most important company perks you need to consider before accepting a graduate job in London.
Or check out our recent blog for more tips on what to look for in a company.
1. A competitive salary
While money isn’t everything, it’s important to make sure you’re being paid what you’re worth.
Use websites like PayScale and Glassdoor to find out what kind of salary you should expect in your sector, with your level of experience.
If the compensation you’re being offered doesn’t match the rest of the market, don’t be afraid to ask the question.
It can be difficult negotiating your first salary, but definitely worthwhile if you can agree on a figure you’re happy with.
2. Flexible working options
Next on your list should be flexible working options.
Depending on your industry, you might be able to land a role with an Employer who can offer a great work-life balance e.g. remote working policy or the ability to work from anywhere in the world.
Don’t expect every Employer to offer this level of flexibility, but keep an eye out for Employers who offer flexitime, summer working hours, and other company perks that will help you maintain a healthy work-life balance.
3. A great company culture
It can’t be overstated how much a company’s culture can affect how much you enjoy working there.
If you get along with the people you work with, and you agree with the way the business is run, this company perk will have a huge impact on how much you enjoy going to work each morning.
So, what can you tell about a company’s culture before you work there?
Have a look at their blog and social media pages: if they’re filled with pictures of events, it’s a good sign they’re a likeable bunch who all get along.
Another good sign is if the atmosphere seems lively in the office when you visit for your graduate job interview.
4. A flat hierarchy
Traditionally, companies are organised in a very strict hierarchy, with the CEO or Managing Director’s word being final.
If you’re coming in on the ground floor of a business like this, it can often feel like you’re a cog in a machine.
However, times are changing, and the best companies to work for are changing with them.
A business with a flat hierarchy expects all its employees to come up with ideas to improve the way they do things, and will let every employee have their say.
Whilst your ideas might not always be implemented, it’s great that your input is valued and you feel part of the business.
5. The right pension scheme
You might think you’re too young to be thinking about retirement, but the fact of the matter is you can never start saving too early, and the sooner you start building up a nest egg, the more comfortable you’re going to be during retirement.
When you’re taking your very first step on the graduate career ladder, it’s normal to feel out of your depth when it comes to your pension scheme.
Declan Harrington of Savage Silk recommends looking for an Employer that offers a pension scheme that maximises your contributions in a clear and transparent way:
“Until you’ve been contributing to your pension for at least a decade, it’s a good idea not to confuse things by trying to go with the latest and greatest scheme,” he says.
“Instead, learn to walk before you run by going with an Employer who can offer you an easy-to-grasp pension scheme to get the ball rolling at the start of your career.”
6. Insurance plans
Companies offering insurance plans shouldn’t be overlooked.
Dentist bills might not be top of your priority list right now, but health insurance will come in handy if you need an emergency filling or a trip to the physio.
Having a ‘healthy office is a happy office’ mantra is a good indication of how a company will look after their staff.
When considering a graduate job offer, it’s important to consider what benefits are available at the organisation before accepting as you want to make sure you will be happy as well as fulfilled.
From fresh fruit to flexi-time, there are many company perks which can add some positivity to your day-to-day, no matter how small it may seem.
Find more career advice on our careers advice blog – or check out the latest graduate job roles!
