I answered this over on SO, but here's a copypasta: Really, this is a complicated question. I've worked for start ups, small development companies, and now one

I answered this over on SO, but here's a copypasta: Really, this is a complicated question. I've worked for start ups, small development companies, and now one of the largest companies in the world. That said, here's my list: 1. Location: Being close to home-base helps. Offering positions in California is great, but I need to know why I should make that move. I went through at least three interviews with companies out on the west coast and not one gave me hard numbers on cost of living. Make it appealing, offer assistance and above all don't try to down play the significance of a move. 2. Obvious company vision for advancement both in product, position AND knowledge: Knowing that your work will be stagnant leads to mundane work days and eventually, I'd quit. Things have to be kept engaging, interesting and pervasive. I'm all for writing in archaic languages, as long as the goal is to move forward. The day I stop learning from my job is the day I quit. I tell everyone I interview that, and so far its worked well as a filtering comment. 3. Work environment & options: Where I am now, we have an interesting environment where we rarely see our coworkers as most of the telecommute, use flex time, or just aren't in our building. That's great, but we still to be engaged. My manager does a great job of keeping in touch to check in on my needs, and desires. Yep, they call us and ask us how we're doing. Management is a LARGE consideration in my choice of jobs. I've worked in too many small companies where management didn't have time to really, well, manage. 4. Perks: Yes, everyone likes perks. Insurance, and I mean all of it (medical, dental, vision) is crucial. No benefits? Just hang up now. No 401k or retirement plan? Get one, quickly. Discounts? Now that's just icing on the cake. Not required, but always good to see. Free lunch once a week, drinks and snacks? Awesome, but again, not enough to keep an employee. 5. Money: Yes, yes if I had it might way this WOULD NOT be on the list. Unfortunately, after recent interviews (3-4 months ago) I've learned that the value of a developer has little to do with skills or the companies needs but more so their budget. Low-balling after two interviews where everything seemed to go amazingly well is a tell-tale sign of a company who is not willing to pay for what they want. http://stackoverflow.com/questions/75565/what-does-a-company-have-to-offer-you-for-getting-you-employed/75964#75964 http://stackoverflow.com/questions/75565/what-does-a-company...