Other than compensation, what is the biggest factor you look for in a job search? (interview, references)

[Serious Conversation]

We all value compensation and generally want more of it. However, preferences beyond that are often highly variable. Some people want more PTO. Others want to work from home. Others value a relaxed corporate culture.

What kind of values other than compensation do you look for when searching for a job?

[Hivemind31]

Vacation time. Actually, right now...it's location. But assuming I was in a location I preferred, then vacation.

[MItoBH]

Growth, professional opportunities. Benefits (health and vacation).

[MSchemist80]

No staffing/contract agency
no out of control HR people bleeping me around
I tend to prefer smaller companies as I have grown suspicious of the larger ones
stability
turnover
how manager behaves in interview if he is grilling me like a perp it is a good bet he/she will not be pleasant to work for

[statisticsnerd]

Culture. Nothing makes me detest a job more than nasty people, and I have worked for and with some real a-holes. Meanness is something I cannot tolerate.

If the boss is a jerk during the interview, you better believe he'll be a real jerk to work for.

[pvande55]

How long the job will last. I know this is hard to determine in advance.

[yukon]

Corporate personality. Am I a good fit for them, and are they a good fit for me?

I don't care how much someone pays me, or what the benefits are. If I don't fit, I won't like the job and I won't stay. Fortunately I'm old enough and experienced enough now to know what to ask and what to look for in the interviews.

[MLSFan]

Originally Posted by statisticsnerd

Culture. Nothing makes me detest a job more than nasty people, and I have worked for and with some real a-holes. Meanness is something I cannot tolerate.

If the boss is a jerk during the interview, you better believe he'll be a real jerk to work for.

Originally Posted by yukon

Corporate personality. Am I a good fit for them, and are they a good fit for me?

I don't care how much someone pays me, or what the benefits are. If I don't fit, I won't like the job and I won't stay. Fortunately I'm old enough and experienced enough now to know what to ask and what to look for in the interviews.

Both those for me as well, I have to actually like the job and people I'm working with before I even take the job :S

[veuvegirl]

For me, culture and the opportunity to work from home. Those are more important than money.

[macroy]

1. Culture
I've got to want to go to work - kind of hard to do a good job if I hate my colleagues or the environment.

And 2. Growth Opportunities
It's not how much I can make now, but how much more I can make down the road.