A savvy job seeker understands that the job search is a two-way street. It’s important to sell yourself to the employer and make sure it’s the right job and place for you. How do you do that? By gathering and assessing information about the job and the company culture, and determining whether it matches your needs.
What is Company Culture?
An organization’s culture reflects the values of its leadership and defines what’s important; how work gets done, where the boundaries lie, and what’s expected. Among other factors, it includes the way information is communicated (transparent, closed) how decisions are made (hierarchical, autonomous) employee recognition and rewards (financial incentives, informal feedback, awards) and even physical environment and amenities.
Why is Company Culture Important?
It’s important to understand a company’s culture so that you know what you’re getting into. If your preferred work style and values are compatible with the organization’s offerings, you’re more likely to thrive in the environment. Alternatively, if the cultural norms are incompatible with your preferred work style, it may impact your performance and/or your job satisfaction.
Does the Culture Fit Me? Find Out!
Determine Your Ideal Work Environment
You can’t match a workplace until you are clear about your own needs. Based on your previous experiences and your values, identify the conditions under which you will work best. Here’s a sample list of factors to consider.
- Work Style – individual contributor, team based
- Workspace – private office, open floor plan, remote
- Workload – heavy, moderate, light; consistent or ebbs and flows with seasonal cycles
- Impact – contribute to a long-term goal, see immediate results of my effort
- Communication – ongoing open dialogue/communication, feedback upon request, during formal review process
- Inclusion/Community –embrace diversity in hiring, in thought and in approaches, foster a welcoming environment for all
- Professional Development – opportunities for growth, advancement, and skill development i.e. mentorship and employer funded courses
- Work Schedule – fixed hours, flexible schedules at employee’s discretion, frequent weekend and after-hours required
Determine the Company Culture
There are a number of ways to gather information about a company’s culture. To get the most accurate picture, explore a number of sources, look for consistent themes and avoid relying too heavily on any one person’s opinion.
Be Inquisitive in Your Interviews
During your interviews, ask intentional questions that will help you understand whether the environment provides the elements that are most important to you.
Sample Questions to Ask
Work Style
- Can you describe how work is distributed and accomplished within the group?
- Who would I interface with on a regular basis?
Communication
- How do you prefer to communicate with your staff?
- How does the company’s leadership share information about company goals and initiatives?
Inclusion/Community
- How does the team/organization celebrate success?
- How are new employees included and welcomed in the organization?
Professional Development
- How does the company support employee development?
- How does your organization evaluate your employees and provide pathways for advancement?
Work Schedule
- Does the company offer flexible work options?
- During a typical work week, what is the average number of hours that staff put in work?
Talk to Other Employees (Current and Past)
Talk to people in various positions and across levels of the organization through multiple touchpoints; career fairs, networking conversations, etc. In addition, find contacts in your own networks (alumni are a great resource) who would be willing to talk with you. Ask them what it’s really like to work there, making sure you ask about the positive aspects as well as the challenges, so that you get the full picture.
Pay Attention to Your Instincts, Observations, and Company Amenities
Trust your instincts. Look for consistent themes in the feedback you are collecting. Look for evidence to support what you’re hearing when you visit the site or as you continue to engage with employees. Seemingly small details about office life can be telling about the culture. An on-site cafeteria with free food at all hours may be a very generous benefit, yet may also be a sign that work is often conducted through mealtimes. Similarly, widely publicized games, contests and social gatherings may indicate a social, collaborative, competitive environment.
Decision Time. Is it a Good Fit?
You know what’s important to you and you understand what the company has to offer. Does the opportunity satisfy your top criteria? If so, it sounds like you’re aligned with company culture and it’s likely to be a good fit. If not, and you’re still considering the opportunity, what’s your motivation to accept the job? Sometimes there are compelling reasons to accept a job (financial need, get you closer to your next goal, etc.), even if it falls short of your ideal. If this is the case, focus on the positive aspects of the opportunity and adjust your expectations and approach to make it work.
By doing your homework and learning as much as you can about the environment, you’ll be more confident in your decision making and better prepared for your next steps.