Summer Lovin': Key questions to ask when searching for a role you'll love

It's Summer time, and even with the occasional (or not-so-occasional) rainy days, it's hard to ignore the positive influence of the longer days, brighter mornings and warmer evenings. Despite this, we know that the sunshine doesn't always extend into all corners of your life, and that no matter how nice the weather is, your work life can still be far from ideal. 

This Summer, the team at CM Consulting would like to take this opportunity to ask you: what would you love to see in your next role? Maybe you've thought about what you want, but aren't sure how to get it? Take a look at our key points to consider when thinking about a new role, with helpful tips and tricks to make sure you ask the right questions during the interview process. 

Progression as Priority  

Progression is a key consideration if you're looking for a role that will tick your boxes in the long term, not just the short. Ensuring that you visualise what you would seek to gain out of a role, should you be offered it, is an important step in understanding how the skills gained in the position can contribute to your long-term goals and aspirations for your career. 

Progression-focused questions to ask during the interview process:

• Does this role have the potential to expand into other elements of the business? 
• Do you have an established progression plan for this role? What does that timeline look like?
• How is my progression tracked and evaluated?
• Will I have consistent opportunities to discuss my goals with my line manager? 

Team Culture 

Anyone who has been unlucky enough to be part of a work environment that isn't right for them will tell you that the importance of finding a team culture that works for you cannot be underestimated. When thinking about your next move, take time to think about what type of environment suits your personality and work style. If you're an outgoing and social person, then chances are you won't feel as at home in a more subdued work setting. Alternatively, if your idea of hell is a pub crawl with your colleagues, then a business setting with a lively (and potentially booze-filled) social calendar isn't going to be right for you. 

Questions about business culture to keep in mind during your interview: 

• How often do you schedule social events? 
• Do you have events in the social calendar that cater to those who don't drink? 
• What do you do to ensure that team meet-ups are inclusive for all? 

Work/Life Balance, Now and in the Future  

As the job market in the UK has evolved, so too has the expectations of top talent. Dolly Parton's "9-to-5" is a thing of the past, with job seekers expecting to see roles and businesses that support a healthier and structured approach to work/life balance. If flexible hours or the ability to work remotely are important to you, make sure to ask these key questions during the interview process: 

• Do you have flexible working hours? How do you define them? 
• This role is currently contracted as a remote position- do you anticipate that changing? 
• Do you have plans to continue to support remote working options, or is your long-term goal to get more people back in the office? 
• Are flexible hours/remote work offered at all levels of experience? 

Where to find help 

If you're still unsure about how best to articulate your wants and needs in an interview setting, or don't know what another role could offer you that your current one doesn't, the team at CM Consulting are here to help. Whether you're actively considering a new role, or just keen to better understand the healthcare comms market at present, our team are on hand to offer advice and guidance, whatever stage you're at. 

To set up a call with one of our consultants, get in touch via theteam@cmconsulting.co

To stay up to date with our latest vacancies and insights, visit www.cmconsulting.co