If you have been scrolling through job boards searching for a job but keep coming up empty, you may be doing it all wrong. Here’s why you should apply for the company you want to work for, rather than chasing job posts. 

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Let’s paint the scenario. You have been eyeing that Quality Assurance Supervisor position in Ontario with the high paycheck and a short commute? Or perhaps that job listing for “an industrial engineer in a family of passionate people with strong brands'' is calling your name. 

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Now before you get lured by the job post, no matter how enticing it may seem, make sure you’ve done some research into the company you are applying to work for. The greatest job position (no matter how good it looks on paper) that’s steeped in toxic company culture with company values that don’t feel right will leave you joining hundreds of your food and beverage manufacturing peers, wondering if the grass was truly greener on the other side.  

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As coined by media publications, the Great Regret followed post-pandemic, when many food and beverage manufacturing workers resigned in hopes of a better work-life balance. However, after a few months, they found themselves wondering if their decision had been made in haste. A US survey found that about one in five people who resigned during the pandemic say they regretted it. 

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While this trend is more pronounced in the US than on Canadian shores, it highlights lessons for those looking for a career change. Many people walked away believing they would gain increased compensation, greater flexibility, and better benefits but jumped ship without asking their new employers the right questions. 

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Proving the case that looking at the job description and responsibilities is not enough when job seeking. You need to do your due diligence and question the company values, company culture, and opportunities for career advancement.

So how do you ensure you don’t get lured in by well-written job posts on the latest job boards only to find the position ends up being like a Double Double without the Timbits? (Good but doesn’t quite hit the spot). 

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QTalent has put together the top 3 criteria you need to consider before clicking ‘submit’ on that resume upload.

1. Company values that align with your beliefs 

You have the qualifications. You are well-equipped for the job. However, when you do some digging into the company values, it brings up red flags. 

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Have you read the employee testimonials? 

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Have you asked your network for some referrals? 

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This information will highlight if the company’s values, mission, and culture align with your beliefs. If not, move on. Doing your research upfront will feel tedious, but it’ll save you hours of regret in the long term. Ensuring your values align with the way the company operates will pay off dividends in emotional compensation that no paycheck can beat. 

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2. Career Advancement: Go beyond the job description 

Canada's food and beverage manufacturing industry is facing a talent shortage, and the right candidate could have huge potential for upward mobility! Having a clear idea of your career goals is vital for a successful placement. If you are seeking career growth or lateral movement in your career with the company, do some digging to see if the company promotes from within. 

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If you want to advance your skills in the latest technologies, check the company’s investment in technology and equipment. Want to work on the latest innovations in “waste-free” production? 

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Ask the company for its sustainability credentials. Remember, the job-seeking process is a two-way street; you are investigating the company as much as they are looking into you. 

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3. Company culture and benefits make a difference

No matter how great the job description looks, if you work more overtime than expected and commute long distances, you will eventually lose your stamina and love for the job. Sometimes the “perfect” position that matches your resume is ill-fitting for your lifestyle. 

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It’s essential to take into account work-life balance, the commute, as well as benefits and perks. Perhaps paid study leave is higher on your priority list than lateral career advancement. If so, it's important to know your priorities when choosing a company to work for. 

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That’s where QTalent comes in. We are a talent discovery platform for highly-skilled technical operations professionals in the Meat, Dairy, Bakery & Beverage industries (and more to come!) to get discovered by leading consumer brands and land their ideal job. We are not your typical job board. We provide you with: 

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• Robust company profiles 
• Geo-mapped search results 
• Culture fit search query criteria 

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All to ensure you find an excellent position at a company that's right for you!

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