Enjoying company culture can be the difference between racing to work or dragging yourself into the office. That’s why it’s so important to know what you’re looking for and to gather information up front. There are culture clues at every turn, so how do you uncover them?
Research
Start by taking a look at the company website and other marketing materials. Pay attention to the language as well as the tone. Is it strictly professional or more conversational? Most businesses have an ‘About Us’ section or blog feed online, which is a great place to learn about the history of the company and the things they value.
Your next stop should be LinkedIn, Facebook, and other social media sites, which can give a glimpse into the personality of the company. Don’t miss an opportunity to read reviews and connect with current employees. Poke around and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Observe
It’s good practice to arrive early to an interview anyway, but don’t just spend that time reviewing your resume. Look around! Are people smiling and interacting with each other? What does the facility look like? It’s easy to pick up on a company’s vibe in person, and this is your opportunity to get a feel for the day-to-day atmosphere. Don’t hesitate to ask for a quick tour so you can meet people and get a better feel for the place.
Ask
Use your interview time wisely. When it’s your turn to ask questions, discuss things like company culture, management structure, working relationship between departments, special events, and overall vibe or tone of the company.
While it can be tempting to accept a job based solely on pay or title, don’t overlook the importance of company culture. Do your research and ask informed questions so you can be confident that you will fit right in and thrive in the new workplace.
