Do you want to enjoy the time you spend at work?
Company Culture: The Most Important Part Of Your New Job
Then company culture may be the most important part of your new job, so the most important part of your job search process should be company research!
What exactly is company culture?
BusinessDictionary.com defines it as: “The values and behaviors that contribute to the unique social and psychological environment of an organization.”
Start your research with the company’s mission and vision to help you better grasp why the company exists and where they are headed. Next, look at the values the company teaches employees. Do you hold similar values? Ask yourself if you could emanate the same value system. Company culture also involves the reputation the company has within the community at large. Local newspapers and journals may contain articles that highlight accomplishments, events, and awards within local companies that can provide insight into their culture.
How do I find out more?
In order to get a real feel for the company that interests you:
Conduct informational interviews with company employees. (Follow the link for my previous article) Areas to investigate include:
- Decision-making practices, from hiring to project assignments to timelines “How are decisions made here?”
- Organization of management “What kind of reporting structure do employees have here?”
- Flow of communication “How do you find the information you need to know to do your job well?”
- Mentoring, training, and educational opportunities “How do employees better themselves professionally?”
Arrange a company tour. Interested in a particular company? Consider asking for a brief tour. An informational interview can open the door for you to suggest such an opportunity. What a great way to expand your informational interview to include multiple people! This is an excellent way to see firsthand the inner workings of a company.
Research the company on social media. You may be amazed at the information you can gather on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc.; company updates, employee statements, and highlights of activities within the organization. You can also connect to company professionals and ask about “insider” experiences including: employee recognition opportunities, workspace design, social opportunities, individual versus group projects, and opportunities for improvement.
You’ve received an offer you cannot resist. Multiple professionals have warned you about the “toxic” culture in that organization. Can you take the job in hopes of changing the culture?
You can take the job…but chances are you will not change the culture. The company culture existed long before you did. Even if you hold a managerial position, understand that the mission, vision, values, and beliefs that create the culture are driven and enforced by employees at a higher level – and interwoven into daily operations. Money alone can satisfy only so long; we typically find solace in knowing we are respected and valued for who we are and believing in the mission we are promoting.
A lot of job pain can be avoided by ensuring your values match those of any organization you consider joining. Your future is in your hands…create one you will enjoy!
