If you are looking to boost your occupational therapy career, or perhaps you’re a graduate just getting started, you’ll probably be wondering what to look for in your new employer. There is a lot to consider and not all employers are equal in what they can offer, not just in terms of the work, but also the benefits, training, opportunities, and lifestyle.

We took a delve into the world of occupational therapy jobs and have come up with a 5-point guide to help you make your next step:

1. Determine your Career Requirements

Before you even start looking for jobs, it’s essential to develop a career plan based on your requirements. This should include a self-assessment of where you are now and what you want to achieve. You should include short-term and long-term goals and a list of gaps in your knowledge and skills so you can understand what you need from an employer. Once you’ve put together your career plan, you’ll be ready to start looking for the right employer for you.

2. Looking for the Right Employer for You

The internet is a great place to look when searching for occupational therapy jobs and you can compare employers using information from your career plan. Be open in your approach as some employers may have opportunities you haven’t considered that can help you expand your skills and experience and support your career progression. Choosing an employer who offers interesting, varied work that makes a real difference to people will help to give you job satisfaction.

3. Training and Development Opportunities

Essential to help you meet your goals will be the training and development opportunities available, and these need to align with your chosen career path. Ideally, you want an employer who can provide access to ongoing training and professional support. A good employer will be able to offer you unlimited opportunities for career progression with a structure in place to cultivate your professional development.

4. Check What Benefits are Offered

There is a wide range of benefits which employers can offer, which can be career-based or non-career-based. These may include a salary package which is higher than the market average, annual salary reviews, and salary packaging. Other benefits may comprise a car allowance, laptop, mobile phone, gym membership and discounted health insurance. The range of benefits offered may well make one employer stand out from the rest.

5. Work-Life Balance

It’s not all about work and in this busy, modern world we now live in, it’s important that the employer you choose can offer you a good work-life balance. A good employer will provide several ways to help you achieve this, such as flexible and agile working, and a combination of working from home, office, and community work. Some may even offer an annual leave purchase scheme so you can take extra time off. Click here for how to have a work-life balance in today’s new normal.

So, if your current occupational therapy role is not right for you, or you’re looking for a graduate program, take the next step and start to plan your future now by seeking out that perfect employer. Click here for further reading on occupational therapists.