In 2017, it was time to leave Google UK. I knew that after 2 years, it meant the market would pay me more. I was looking to move to Canada. A different market and lower currency value.

Here's how I secured my next gig with Shopify with a higher compensation.

Approach #1: What's important to you?

I also needed to work somewhere I liked, could grow and learn.

Here's what I factored in:

  • Growth rate: I created my shortlist from Deloitte's Fast500, and googled Canada's fastest growing companies.
  • Culture: Did they have flex hours, good benefits and employee feedback language/values
  • Industry & Product: Did I get excited by the industry and product?
  • Leadership: Who was creating the priorities and setting the tone?

Approach #2: What does the company say they're like?

Key tools that help here are:

  • Their Website for their language, values, benefits (on job descriptions), the execs.
  • Chat GPT to define culture via key words they used.
  • Google: What awards have they won?
  • LinkedIn & YouTube: Who were the execs? What were they liking, posting, talking, presenting about?

Approach #3: What are employees saying?

To match the line the company was towing vs employees, I used the following:

  • Glassdoor: What are they paying? What was the employee sentiment?
  • Reddit: Search for the company and post for feedback in subs (e.g. industry or role)
  • LinkedIn: Who in my network could provide some insight?

Interested in these same topics? If any of the above resonates, feel free to reach out!