Top Job Expectations

Top Ten Job Expectations

What do people look for in a job? What do they expect or require from it? The following list is representative and is given in the order people have ranked them over the years:

  1. Type of work: the kind of work that makes the best use of one's abilities and gives one a feeling of accomplishment.

  2. Security: having a job that provides a steady employment.

  3. Company: working for a company that has a good reputation, that one can be proud of working for.

  4. Advancement: being able to progress in one's job or career, having the chance to advance in the company.

  5. Coworkers: having coworkers who are competent and congenial.

  6. Pay: being paid at least enough to meet one's needs, and being paid fairly in comparison to others.

  7. Supervision: having an immediate supervisor who is competent, considerate, and fair.

  8. Hours: having working hours that allow one enough time with family and/or time to pursue other strong interests and live one's preferred lifestyle.

  9. Benefits: having benefits that meet one's needs and compare well with those of others.

  10. Working Conditions: having physical working conditions that are safe, not hazardous to one’s health, not stressful, and even comfortable.

How job expectations relate to job satisfaction

You won’t be satisfied when there’s a mismatch between your personal job expectations and the job you’re in. And when we aren’t satisfied, we don’t perform as well. It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy - you don’t do as well, get promotions, and get raises because you’re not happy in the job.

How do I improve my job satisfaction?

First, learn about the 2 types of job satisfaction, extrinsic and intrinsic. Then, ask yourself a few questions:

  • What is your ideal job? Note your preferences for each of the 10 expectations above.

  • How does your current job match up with these expectations?

  • How would you rate your extrinsic and intrinsic job satisfaction?

  • If you’re dissatisfied, is it mostly related to the current employer, your current job, or the entire career path you’re on?

  • What steps or activities can you take to clarify these answers?

How do I identify a new career path that will make me happy?

If you decide your current career path is the major source of dissatisfaction, Career Key's self-reflection activities and career assessment can help you learn more about your personality, interests, skills and abilities. We give you ideas for alternative careers and education programs more likely to lead to satisfaction. Good luck!

Curious about Holland’s Theory of Career Choice and how using it increases your job satisfaction?

In the video below, listen to Dr. Larry Jones, Career Key’s founder, explain how it works and how it can help you be happier and more successful.