Job Searching for Culture
When you’re searching for your ideal job, it’s easy to get caught up in details like job descriptions and salary ranges. Obviously it’s critical that job opportunities match your skills, experience and goals for your career, but it’s only part of what you must consider when choosing your next job.
Don’t underestimate the importance of culture.
The culture of the company you work for goes a long way in determining your quality of life and how your career progresses. You need to feel like you fit and that the company’s values and goals are compatible with your own.
Here’s what you need to know when evaluating company culture:
- Do the employees support one another or are they competitive?
- Is it a high-stress, fast-paced environment? Is that where you thrive?
- Is your role clearly defined? Do you understand where you will fit into the organization?
- What is the organization’s purpose? How does it achieve that purpose?
- Does the company encourage personal and professional development?
- Will you be working independently or as part of a team?
There are no right or wrong answers to these questions. It depends on what works for you.
Here’s how to find out.
Ask
How would each interviewer describe the company’s culture? Do you get similar answers from each of them? Does it sound like they are just parroting a company line? Ask follow up questions for more detail and uncover any discrepancies. How long have the interviewers been with the company? How has the culture changed over time? This information will tell you what you need to make a decision and demonstrate to the employer that you take the opportunity seriously.
Look
Evaluate the physical environment. Do the furnishings look worn or are they designed for the comfort of the employees? Is the technology they use up to date? Look at how employees are dressed what their workspaces are like and if they are cheerful and welcoming.
Research
Learn what you can about the company’s reputation in the community or the industry. Investigate their online presence to see the kind of tone they use across social media. Look at the brand identity they present, but look for reviews from both their customers and employees to dig a little deeper
Evaluate
How do you feel in the building or while interacting with people from the company. Does the employer seem engaged in the process? Are they really taking the time to find the right fit? Bad cultural matches cause turnover which isn’t good for anyone. You want to find a place where you can fit in as part of the team and reach your professional goals.
A great way to understand a company’s culture is by working with a staffing and recruiting partner with inside connections who can go beyond surface level impressions of the company. Contact Smart Talent today to speak with a recruiter about finding a job with a company where you can thrive.
