Are You a Fit with the Companys Culture 5 Ways to Know!

Are You a Fit with the Companys Culture 5 Ways to Know! Are You a Fit with the Companys Culture 5 Ways to Know! Finding a great company extends beyond just finding a position that matches your skills. For an interviewer, a great interview gives them insight into the type of employee you will be. For the job seeker, this is an opportunity to access an employer’s culture and beliefs. So, how do you know if you are a fit with the companys culture or not? Working at a company whose values do not align with yours will leave you feeling unfulfilled and dissatisfied with your position, no matter the salary and benefits. Employers frequently see candidates with similar qualifications and will choose the person whose values and culture match most with their company values, beliefs, and norms. The discussion of “fit” is something that is determined after interviews, where employers decide who they feel matches their ideal team. Knowing how important matching the company culture can be, job seekers should also look at the company culture before they apply for positions. It is important that the work environment you are looking into fits your needs and personality so that you’re not wasting time applying for jobs that arent a match. So how can you learn about a company’s culture? Here are five ways to check if you are a fit with a companys culture. Do your research. Much like an employer Googling a potential employee before doing an interview, a job seeker should check out their potential employer’s online presence. You can tell a lot about a business by their social media interactions, the company website, and even the pictures on the company pages. Look for press articles or releases that relate to charitable work, community, team building, and work satisfaction. This information is not only helpful in writing a great cover letter, but it also allows you a peek into the world that you would be a part of as a potential employee of that company. Employers tend to hire people that fit into their ideal culture, so paying close attention to the culture details can save you from applying to a company that just won’t match your personality, goals, or values. Think of questions for your interview.   Most interviews will have time for an applicant to ask questions of the interviewer. If you do your research prior to the interview, you should know information about the hiring manager, department head, and names of people you may be working closely with in the new position. By doing research through LinkedIn and other social media, you can get an idea if you will be working with people with similar interests. If you are working with people who loudly or violently disagree with your politics or on things that are important enough to make you angry every day, you may want to consider looking at other companies to join. When given the option to ask questions, ask a few about the company. More specifically, have them describe it and what working at the company is like for them. What is their favorite part of the company and the challenging parts? Find out how close-knit the team is. People often think that closeness and telecommuting or flexible employment are not possible, but many flexible teams work very closely. In fact, many argue that communication and fit can become even more important when you are relying on a team that is not within your physical space. Personality and communication style are very important when you consider spending an average of 50 hours per week with your work family. You can ask questions about the length of time people have been employed at the company, how long different people have been on the team, and any hobbies that they enjoy. Don’t be blinded by perks. Many employers offer unique and clever perks that can entice potential candidates into thinking they have found the perfect fit. You still want to look at how the company is structured, where leadership is, and where they see the company going. You will probably want to know the values surrounding schedules and productivity as well. If everyone you speak to seems rushed or short, people may feel overwhelmed or overworked and this may be a clue of what an average day would look like for you. A bad work environment or incompatible culture will not be overshadowed by perks or benefits. Know what is important to you. Comparing company cultures can seem overwhelming with so many different perks, benefits, and ideas. Find out what inspires and motivates you to be the best employee. Know what your values are and what your boundaries are for flexibility in belief structures. Knowing your core values and needs will help you align with a great company that matches you both in your skill sets and your personal needs for pride and fulfillment in your career goals. Personal fulfillment can be a motivating factor for people looking to switch careers or find a new job. A company that has a culture that fits your personality, values, and goals is a huge asset in your job search. Focusing your job search on those jobs that match you perfectly will ensure smoother interviews and more compatibility, which can lead to more job offers at great companies. Readers, what do you look for in a companys culture? How do you know if you fit with the companys culture? Share with us below!