There are certain things that make for a vibrant company culture such as an instilled enthusiasm for the company, a sense of teamwork, perks and benefits, professional development, and a fun work environment.
When you work for a business that strives to have a good company culture it usually translates to passion for your job. It means you actually want to go to work every day because you truly believe that the company you work for cares about you.
This is ideal, but not every company’s culture is warm and fuzzy. And when you’re thinking about starting a new job, it’s important to know what you’re getting into. After all, you’re committing to being there five days a week.
But how do you know whether or not a company’s culture will make for a healthy work environment, and better yet, whether or not it’s the right cultural fit for you?
Here are 5 ways to determine is a company’s culture is the right fit:
1. Get clear on your ideal company culture.
Before you can start assessing a company’s culture and figuring out whether it’s the right fit, you must first determine your own cultural values.
Think about your ideal work environment. Make a list of things you’ve valued in your past jobs or things that you know would help contribute to your success. Here are some good questions to ask yourself to help you along with the process:
- Do you work better on a team or do you prefer autonomy?
- How important are perks to you and what kinds of perks are you looking for?
- Would you be absolutely elated if you had the option to telecommute, or is it not all that important?
- Do you prefer an upbeat environment, or a quieter, more focused environment?
- How important are the aesthetics of your office to you? What kinds of things do you need to have surrounding you to thrive?
- Are you craving professional development, or do you find that it’s something you can accomplish on your own?
- Do you love going to work in a suit and tie or would you prefer to arrive in shorts?
2. Check out the company’s website.
Just the overall tone of a company’s website can tell you a lot. Is it a more serious tone, or is it more lively and upbeat?
If it’s available, check out the company’s vision and mission. Does it seem like building up their employees is important to them?
Some companies will make this whole process easy for you, especially if they’re larger, by providing a career section that gives you in-depth information about the company culture and what they offer their employees.
3. Read reviews on Glassdoor.com.
With lots of reviews from current and past employees, Glassdoor.com can give you an insider perspective. Along with a written overview, reviews include pros and cons about the company and ratings for culture/value, work/life balance, senior management, compensation and benefits, and career opportunities.
4. Interact with current and former employees on social media sites.
If the company you’re considering isn’t on Glassdoor.com, use social media sites such as LinkedIn and Twitter to locate and communicate with former and current employees. Just asking them to tell you a little a bit about the company culture can provide you with a lot of insight.
5. Utilize your interview to gain more information.
If you’re still lacking information on the company’s culture, your interview is a great opportunity to gain clarity. After all, you’re there to assess your potential employer just as much as they’re there to assess you.
While at the interview, evaluate your surroundings. How do people talk to each other? Is it with enthusiasm and respect? Do employees seem genuinely happy to be there? Or are they staring at the clock?
Is the office environment an inviting and inspiring one? Are office spaces personalized or do they all look the same? Is the equipment top-notch or outdated? Does there seem to be a stringent dress code, or are people dressed more lax?
Here are some questions to ask the person interviewing you to pinpoint the company’s culture:
- What kinds of professional development does your company offer?
- What kinds of things do you do to empower your employees?
- What do you like about your job? Are they brimming with enthusiasm or struggling to answer the question?
- Tell me a little bit about your company culture.
- If you couldn’t find it on the company’s website, ask what the company’s vision and mission is.
Don’t let desperation override your instincts. If you’re left with any nagging feelings in your gut that it might not be the right fit for you, don’t waste your time and energy. Move on.
If you do like the company culture and have taken the time to understand how it works, should you get the job, it will be easy for you to thrive within the company’s framework, setting you up for success.