The job sounds great, but is the new workplace a fit for you?

A new job brings about a lot of changes, which can make you feel both excited and nervous. Most people do a lot of research throughout the job search process on the jobs themselves so they can best show how they are qualified based on their skills and experience. That is a must when applying for a job and completing the interview process. What many candidates don’t consider is that they are interviewing the company just as much as the company is interviewing them. Part of that consideration is the workplace itself, namely its culture. You can secure what you deem to be the perfect job in terms of duties and responsibilities, but if the workplace culture isn’t a match it significantly decreases your chances of success in the role. How can you find out if that workplace is a fit or you?

The first way you can find relevant information about a workplace is via social media. What is the company posting in terms of news? Do the posts come from employees across many levels of the company, or do they seem to only be directives from top management? Check out the website Glassdoor.com that features a Company Reviews section and do additional research on LinkedIn. On LinkedIn you can find information about the company itself and you can also connect with current and former employees. What do they have to say? Are they complimentary and have long tenures, or do they complain about the organization and seem to leave after just a year or two? Tap into your professional network and speak with people that are familiar with the organization or industry. What is the company’s reputation?  

Once you are in the door for the interview process, be observant. Do company representatives communicate with you promptly and clearly? Do they answer your questions in a direct manner? When you are in the office for your interview, notice the energy of the staff. Are the employees speaking with each other in a positive way or is everyone working in a solitary manner with their heads down in their offices or cubes? Does the organization seem to have a diverse staff? Do the employees have personal items on their desks, or is the environment sterile? Also, is the workplace clean? Offices where people are respectful of their environments will be clean and organized, especially when it comes to restrooms and break areas. If you are interviewing early or late in the day, notice the attitudes of the employees. Are they dragging in late and looking glum or are they cheerful about beginning their work days? If it’s the end of the day, does everyone dash for the door right at 5 PM? Once you observe all of this, picture yourself working in the environment. Is it a fit for you? Would you be excited to come into work every day?

Don’t forget that you can ask questions about organizational culture and the work environment during the interview. You can ask about the company’s values and how they are integrated into the everyday workings of the organization. Do they value collaboration, innovation, and/or diversity? Ask your interviewers what they like most about working for the company. Take note of who is involved in your interview. Are you meeting with executive-level staff, middle managers, or entry-level employees? Observe how the staff interacts with each other. Are all opinions valued, or does there seem to be one dominant person that is running the show?

All of these suggestions and ideas allow you to gather critical information regarding the workplace and its culture. Both job candidates and the organizations interviewing them will be on their best behavior. Before you accept that job offer, view everything with a critical eye. Do your research on the organization, be keenly observant while you interact with a potential employer, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about workplace culture and values in your interview.