Is this company culture a fit for you?

Are you searching for the perfect fit? When you're looking for your next challenge, it's not merely about finding the right role for your skill set. Sure, a position may look like your dream job on paper, but that doesn't necessarily mean you will love it. Frankly, there's a lot to think about before diving headfirst into any new job.

One of the biggest factors that you should consider here is company culture, as it will affect every aspect of your working life. A massive 77% of adults consider a company's culture before applying for a role, according to a new survey from Glassdoor. What's more, 56% said that a good company culture is more important than their salary when it comes to job satisfaction.

So, how do you assess a company's culture when you're on the job hunt? It could be easier than you think. Let's take a look at some of the small signs you should be looking out for during your search.

Set up Google Alerts for the business

Put on your detective hat! Before you commit to a company, you're going to need to do some research. As in many cases, your first port of call should be Google. Search the business name and then click on the "News" tab at the top of the screen. Checking out how the company is portrayed in the media will help you to learn about the general culture that you can expect.

Of course, you can go one step further here. Setting up Google Alerts means that you will get an email every single time the business is mentioned in the news. Simply use the feature to add an alert for any given company. It takes about a minute to do and is well worth it.

Check out the company reviews online

Ever wished there was a TripAdvisor for job opportunities? Actually, there is. You can use Glassdoor to find reviews of any businesses you're interested in online. Former and current employees can rate the company based on their experiences. If you don't know anybody who has worked at the business, you can use this resource to help you to gain an insight into what the culture is like.

However, as a word of warning, remember that not all of these reviews will be 100% accurate. Disgruntled former employees are much more likely to rate the company than those who are satisfied with the business. For that reason, the ratings may be on the lower side of the spectrum. Take each review with a pinch of salt.

Pick your interview questions wisely

"If you want to find your dream job, remember that the interview process should be a two-way street," says Amanda Augustine, careers expert for TopCV. "Just as the company is evaluating you and your skills for their role, it's your job to ask questions during the interview process to get a better sense of the position, the HR manager's expectations, and the company culture."

Ahead of the interview, take a moment to think of a few questions. During this initial meeting, take the opportunity to delve deeper into the business. Remember, this process should allow both you and the employer to work out whether you're the right fit. With that in mind, here are some of the questions you could consider:

  • How would you describe the company culture?

  • How does the company recognise staff achievements?

  • How do managers set and assess staff goals?

  • What types of people are successful in this company?

Pay attention to the company surroundings

From the moment that you walk into the organisation's office, pay close attention to your surroundings. There are ways in which you can spot a toxic workplace during your interview, and you should look out for the warning signs. Here are some of the questions to ask yourself:

  • How was the receptionist's manner? Were they polite or rude?

  • How does the office look? Do staff members have personal things on their desks?

  • Is there a common room or a lunch break space? Is there a kitchen?

  • How is the office decorated? Does it look appealing?

Consider the interview process

During the interview itself, you will get little telltale signs of the company culture as well. Consider how you're treated during this period and how the staff members speak to you. It's worth paying attention to how long the interview takes and whether the team seems well prepared, as well. Also take note of how the staff interact with one another. Ideally, they should be friendly and professional when they speak among themselves.

"Your treatment during the interview process is often an indication of what you will face at the company if you decide to work there," explains Augustine. When you leave the interview, you should have a relatively clear idea of the company culture. Think about how you feel when you walk away and that should tell you what you need to know.

Conclusion 

Finding your dream job is a difficult process, but assessing a company's culture is worth the extra effort; you need to ensure that the company you are considering is a place where you will thrive. As you're searching for a role, give yourself the best possible chance to find somewhere that suits you. Using our professional CV writing service will help you to get ahead of the game and bring you one step closer to success.

Learn more about how TopCV's professional CV writing service can help you to land the job that's best for you.

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