As a contractor, I have less criteria for perfect workplaces. Recently I only check few things like
- Flexible working hours
- Dress code
- Development hardware and software
- Money (obviously)
- Projects and nature of business
Sometimes I got job offers for permanent roles. I'm definitely more picky when it comes to permanent. I had few bad experiences and each one added up an item or two to my criteria list.
- Opening for new technologies
- Training opportunities
- Infrasturcture
- Level of contribution to work
- Colleagues
- Trust
- In-company peace
I know, some of them cannot be measured before you start but if 2-3 of them fails I start feeling uncomfortable and adding one more gives me a signal to leave.