When you’re considering a career move, finding the perfect job isn’t just about the tasks you’ll be performing; it’s also about the culture of the organisation you’re joining. Company culture is defined by shared values and characteristics. While we know it plays a vital role in your job satisfaction and overall well-being at work it’s not always easy to get a good feel for a company’s true culture – especially before you’ve taken the job there!
Here at Talento, we want to empower you with the knowledge to assess and understand a company’s culture before making a decision. According to a study by Bamboo HR, nearly 1 in 5 employees are considering job changes due to declining company culture. It’s essential to ensure you find a workplace that aligns with your values and work style.
3 Ways To Uncover a Company’s Culture Before You Accept The Job
1. Do your Research
Start by delving into the organisation’s website. Pay close attention to the mission statement, blog, and careers section. These can give a good feel for a company’s values and vision for the future. Additionally, explore the company’s social media channels such as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn, if multiple employees contribute it suggests that individual voices are valued.
2. Seek Out Employee Feedback
Networking with current or former employees can provide invaluable insights. Use professional platforms like LinkedIn to connect with them and ask about their experiences. Employee review websites like Glassdoor and Indeed are goldmines of information. Look for patterns in reviews; one negative experience might be an exception, but consistent negative feedback could indicate underlying issues.
3. Ask About Company Culture During the Interview
Don’t hesitate to address questions about company culture directly during your interview. As you gear up for your next big interview you could be tempted to ask, “Tell me about the culture here?” But let’s be honest; generic questions often lead to generic responses like “It’s like a family here” and or “we have casual Fridays!”. To gain a deeper understanding of a company’s culture, it’s essential to ask the right questions. So, here are a few insightful questions that can provide you with a much clearer picture.
Top 5 Company Culture Questions to Ask During Your Interview:
1) “Can you tell me about your onboarding process and the support provided to new hires?”
Understanding the onboarding process and the support system in place can give you a sense of how the company invests in its new employees.
2) “How quickly do new team members typically get up to speed and start making meaningful contributions?”
Knowing the timeframe for becoming a productive team member provides clarity on expectations and the learning curve within the organisation.
3) “What surprises most newcomers about the team?”
Discovering the unexpected aspects of the company culture can help you anticipate the unique dynamics within the team.
4) “Could you explain the processes for performance management and talent development within the organisation?”
Understanding how performance is evaluated and talents are nurtured can provide insights into your potential growth within the company.
5) “How frequently do employees interact with their managers and higher-level executives?”
Knowing the communication frequency can give you an idea of the accessibility of leadership within the company.
Asking these questions can help you gain a deeper understanding of the company culture, enabling you to make an informed decision about your potential workplace.
Remember, finding the right cultural fit is as important as the job role itself. By researching, seeking feedback, and asking the right questions during your interview, you’ll be well on your way to finding a workplace where you thrive both personally and professionally.
Best of luck in your job search!