How to discern the right company culture?

People become disillusioned with a job it’s for a variety of reasons, too many hours, lack of work/life balance, or not jiving with your boss. It’s important to be selective when making a change. Finding the right cultural fit when making a change can’t be stressed enough. It will be imperative to search for a healthy organizational culture before changing jobs. Here are some things to consider:

1. Know Thyself – Know what things you consider ancillary and what you consider critical. It’s important to have a checklist of required items when searching for the next job. According to Jason Hill, founder of Sound Advice: “The more you know about what you want, not just what you’ve been told you should value and think you want…the better the more effective your job search will be.”

2. Research – In today’s era of readily available technology, a variety of websites can be used to find out about a company’s culture. One of the best options out there is Glassdoor. You can read current and previous employees comments about the employer. A note of caution: many times people who leave comments are disillusioned because they have been let go or left on under bad circumstances; take their comments with a grain of salt. Companies commonly go out of their way to publish what they do in regards to charitable work and philanthropic endeavors. Do some checking on the organization’s Corporate Social Responsibility page to see if they support causes and initiatives that you personally care about.

3. Observations – Before and after an interview take some time to walk around the campus and observe how people interact. Look for overall signs of how people are engaging with each other. “Are people at their d

People become disillusioned with a job it’s for a variety of reasons, too many hours, lack of work/life balance, or not jiving with your boss. It’s important to be selective when making a change. Finding the right cultural fit when making a change can’t be stressed enough. It will be imperative to search for a healthy organizational culture before changing jobs. Here are some things to consider:

1. Know Thyself – Know what things you consider ancillary and what you consider critical. It’s important to have a checklist of required items when searching for the next job. According to Jason Hill, founder of Sound Advice: “The more you know about what you want, not just what you’ve been told you should value and think you want…the better the more effective your job search will be.”

2. Research – In today’s era of readily available technology, a variety of websites can be used to find out about a company’s culture. One of the best options out there is Glassdoor. You can read current and previous employees comments about the employer. A note of caution: many times people who leave comments are disillusioned because they have been let go or left on under bad circumstances; take their comments with a grain of salt. Companies commonly go out of their way to publish what they do in regards to charitable work and philanthropic endeavors. Do some checking on the organization’s Corporate Social Responsibility page to see if they support causes and initiatives that you personally care about.

3. Observations – Before and after an interview take some time to walk around the campus and observe how people interact. Look for overall signs of how people are engaging with each other. “Are people at their desk with their headphones on? Or are they huddled up around a desk to discuss a project? Is the only sound the typing of keys, or is the music blasting? Is the pin pong tables being used, or is it just for show?” Alan Cairns, Chief People Officer at MOO, an online print and design company.

4. Interview Questions – Ask the person interviewing you why they enjoy working there. Ask if there is anything they had a hard time adjusting to within the culture after joining. If they dance around that questions, they may be hiding a painful truth you will later find out first hand. Better to screen for cultural shortcomings before it’s too late.

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