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Welcome to an episode of ‘The path to Happiness’. A series where we speak with candidates and hiring managers to understand more about what people look for in a business when searching for a new opportunity and what hiring managers look for in candidates. Our goal is to inspire people to discover happiness in the workplace and to help with our goal, we want to people to see how others feel in the community.

Meet Erin Pottenger, a credit services officer @ SEEK, a former colleague and an inspiring friend. We had the pleasure to sit down with Erin to understand her point of view from a candidate’s perspective as to what she looks for in a business and a role when considering a new opportunity.

We’ve come up with some questions so we can have deep and meaningful conversations. Shall we get started!

Erin, what does ‘Happiness at work’ mean to you?

“To me, happiness at work means being valued – it’s as simple as that. To feel comfortable and supported by peers. An environment where I feel safe”

When considering a new opportunity, what are the most important factors you look for in a business and/or a role?

“I always think about the culture and the environment of the business I am considering. And how my personal values are going to be supported working there and if they align with the business’s goals”

How would you know if your personal values would be supported?

“By having an open and honest conversation during the interview process. You are never going to know if you don’t ask”

Great answer! Have you ever been let down during an interview?

“Who hasn’t, let’s be honest. The key is not to get demotivated and keep moving forward”

Everyone has settled at some point in their life. Why have you ‘settled’ for a role that is less than what you deserve?

“Yes, I’ve definitely settled before. Life and people’s circumstances mean everybody at some point needs to settle. I settled because I literally needed a job… any job. At that time, I was prepared to take what was offered without question. The most important things are for me to be happy but we don’t always have control over certain circumstances.”

How long would you spend researching a business before applying for a position?

“I’m really bad, definitely not as long as I should. Generally, I spend time in preparation of an interview. I will research a company and see what they say about themselves and compare these what others say about them. I should really spend more time to understand the business and their values.”

Do business’s values impact your decision to join them?

“Yes! Ideally, I want the business to align with my personal beliefs and values. In the instance that it doesn’t, it would need to not conflict with my beliefs or values for me to consider them as a business to work for. The reality is, it is difficult to find a business that aligns to every value or belief but it is up to you to way up the pros and cons before joining.”

Dream job or dream company?

“Dream job. I think a dream job is more attainable. I would rather my dream job in a small unknown company than to pin all my hopes in a dream company to only be let down and not what it appeared to be.”

Sounds like you’ve experienced being let down before?

“Let’s not go there! 😊”

Fine… fine….

Pay or Culture?

“Definitely culture as long as the wage is liveable. More than happy to take a pay cut should the culture of the business I am applying for be one that I would want to work in.”

Having a great leader changes the entire experience at work. Tell us, Erin…

What does your ideal leader look like?

“Someone knowledgeable and supportive. Someone that truly cares about me and my wellbeing is very important to me. A compassionate and driven leader that I can learn from.”

What a great conversation thus far! It’s been great to really get to you, Erin. Lucky last question. As candidates, we often speak with recruiters to help us find what we want. Some experiences are positive and some are negative, but we want to establish what kind of conversations candidates are actually having.

Have you ever had a deep and meaningful conversation with a recruiter with regards to your values and beliefs when looking for a new opportunity?

Yes, but I’ve always been the one to start the conversation. For me, as I get older and gain experience in what I want from a role and a business, you need to be open and honest in these conversations in order to get an outcome that is worthwhile. Without truly expressing your feeling and wants to a recruiter, it is a pointless exercise.”