When evaluating job opportunities, most people put primary focus on what the job pays, often to the exclusion of other factors that will greatly impact one's success in the opportunity. Here are a few questions that can help you select the best job fit for you.

1. Does the work itself interest you? Do you think you would enjoy the work? Does it seem stimulating to you? Does it have variety and freshness or is it primarily rote? Would you be excited about telling others what you do in your job at a party?

2. How much control will you have in how the work is done? Is the job clear-cut and exacting or is there room for variation and a chance to bring your own imprint to the job? What things do you have to get approval on and which can you decide on your own?

3. Does the job present challenge, learning and growth potential? Will you have the chance to gain new skills and take on new responsibilities? Will you be able to volunteer for assignments that interest you, including those that go beyond your immediate job?

4. What is the potential impact on your personal/family life? Will you be expected to work overtime or to take home work on the weekends? Will you have to travel and, if so, how often and for how long? Is job stress high that you might likely bring home?

5. What do you think of your manager? Do you respect this person and does he seem trustworthy? Does he or she communicate well? Does the person take time to explain things clearly? Does the person seem as if he or she will be assessable when needed?

6. What is the quality of your co-workers? Do they seem friendly and professional? Are they receptive to your questions? Are they open about helping you and have they offered such assistance? Do you have things in common with them outside of work?

7. How open is communication? Does interaction in the organization seem free and fluid or guarded and refined? Are people patient with questions you ask? Does it seem as if you will be treated as a colleague? Are you asked your opinion and is it used?

8. What is the culture of the organization like? Is it loose or strict, fun or serious, informal or formal? Is there a team spirit or does everyone seem independent? How frequent and formal are meetings? Does the culture seem to match you and your values?

9. What is the long-term potential of the opportunity? What has become of those who previously had this position? What are the potential career paths this position leads to? Is the organization growing and do other opportunities seem to be opening up quickly?

10. Do you think you'll be happy in this position? Taking everything into account, from your job expectations to the people you'll be working with to the culture and its flexibility to the working hours and length of your commute; do you feel the fit is there?

By
Bob Nelson is president of Nelson Motivation Inc. in San Diego and author of 1001 Ways to Take Initiative at Work, 1001 Ways to Energize Employees, 1001 Ways to Reward Employees, and The 1001 Rewards & Recognition Fieldbook all published by Workman Publishing. For more info visit www.nelson-motivation.com.