“We’re looking for the right fit,” you hear the interviewer say.
“The right fit?” you ask yourself, “I’m just looking for a job with a salary.”
But the truth is, a job is more than just a place you have to go every morning. Each company has its own organizational culture that you might not even notice until it rubs you the wrong way.
But Why Does Culture Matter?
When you have a full-time job, you spend 40 or more hours at work; it’s not too much to ask to enjoy your time in the office. Just like your personality differs from others, each office will have a different way of operating. It’s important to find a culture that allows you to thrive, and here’s how you can do just that:
Research Before you Apply
When you’re applying for jobs, you look for positions that fit your skills and career goals. When it comes to company culture, the same rules apply. When you find a position that sounds like a good fit, take your research a bit further. Check out the company on Glassdoor or Salary.com, and try to spot any patterns in the reviews so you’ll know what you might be in for. You can also check out the company’s social network profiles to see if they post any insight on what it’s like to work there. You can also reach out to people in your network to learn more about the reality of a company’s culture.
Ask the Right Questions
If the company seems like a great place to work and you’ve landed an interview, the next step is to ask your interviewer the tough questions. Ask specifically about corporate culture. Ask them what it’s like to work for the company. What do they like about it? What do they not like? Do they hang out with co-workers outside of work? You should also ask about:
- The performance review and reward process.
- Benefits, perks and remote work opportunities.
Don’t Accept an Offer Without Digging Deeper
If you’ve successfully made it through the interview process, you’ve most likely decided whether the job is a good fit. Don’t, however, automatically accept the first offer you receive. Ask the hiring manager any follow-up questions you may have and try to get a picture of what your day-to-day experience will be like. The more complete your picture is, the better decision you’ll make.
When you’re out job searching, remember that it’s not all about skills and salary. Follow these tips to ensure your new company will be a match in all aspects of your job. And if you’re looking for more job search help, GetFive can help you every step of the way.
