How do you guage a company culture during your job search?

Jobseekers often ask me how to get a grip on a company culture. Tricky indeed, cultures are complex, hard to describe, and perceived differently. What suits one person, may not suit you.

The good news: There are indicators, and you can pick them up during your entire recruiting process. They will help you to figure out if you fit into the organization or not. Simply ask yourself:

“Do I like…

☝️ how they treat me?

☝️ the way they talk among themselves?

☝️ how my potential manager is communicating with me? And others?

☝️ how they listen to me?

☝️ the vibe in the office environment?

☝️ their time management?

☝️ the tone of their messages?

☝️ the language they use?

☝️ the interactions I see while I wait?

☝️ the setup of the office?

☝️ the activity level in the premises?

☝️ how they follow up with me?

☝️ what they emphasize and what they focus on?”

Things to consider:

🧐 Look for consistency.

🧐 Question inconsistencies: If something puts you off, verify.

🧐 In case you have a weird gut feeling, find out why and validate it.

🧐 Compare your observations with your own values and see how it fits.

Your tools:

🛠️ Observe and listen carefully

🛠️ Your gut feeling, it knows more than you think

🛠️ Your network: Talk with people who know the company

🛠️ Discuss your uncertainties with someone who knows you well

🛠️ Consider a conversation with a coach (one like me!)

🛠️ Ask questions

❓When you ask about the company culture, you will probably get general statements and a reference to their values. Do not shy away from getting specifics: What does that mean for the employees? How do they foster certain behaviors? What is not tolerated? What is celebrated?

❓Ask the same question(s) to every person you meet during the process. Where do you see alignment in the responses, what differs?

If you answer several ‘do I like…’ questions above with a NO, ask yourself why you are still attracted to this company.

It is OK if you are NOT OK with a company. It might simply not be the place to work for you.

The pressure to find a job, the stress to fail, and high anxiety often get the better of us and we tend to overlook or ignore red flags. We commit to an employer only to realize that it is not what we were looking for. With a high price: Your self-confidence suffers, guilt rules your days, your mental health is negatively affected…

So do not forget: It is not only the company which chooses their top candidate; you choose your ideal company, too!

What is your experience? How do you evaluate a company culture?

Comment below or send me a note, would love to hear your thoughts.

Yvonne