You’re looking at a new job, and the salary is solid, the expectations are reasonable, the work is exciting and the location is stellar. The company is successful, there’s lots of room for you to move up and ample opportunity for you make an impact along the way.
But how do you know if you’re going to be happy there?
There’s a lot to consider when you’re looking for a new job, and a company’s culture is a major factor. Everything else about your new potential role can be outlined, drawn up and contracted, but mission statements can only tell you so much about what it will be like once you get to work.
However, there are a few things you can do to learn about it, and figure out if you can be happy there before you sign on the dotted line.
How to find out
The most direct way to gauge a company’s culture is by asking the people who work there about it. If you don’t have friends at a given company, asking your interviewer specific questions can help you get a sense of what life at the company is like beyond your job requirements.
You can ask her directly about the company’s culture, or focus on a few key areas, such as what she loves most about the company, what the company values in an employee, what kind of working atmosphere exists and if employees socialize outside of work.
If you think the answers to those questions didn’t give you enough information, see if you can arrange a tour of the office. Some interviews might include a brief look around the office, but if that doesn’t work out, use the time before your interview to observe what’s going on around you.
Pay close attention to how employees are interacting with each other, what they are wearing, how the office is laid out and decorated, and anything else you think is important for your happiness.
If you’re still searching for more, hit the web. Glassdoor features reviews and ratings of companies by their employees that focus on working environment, employee benefits beyond health care and time off, the vision of the company and whether the company is moving in a positive direction.
You can also check out the company’s social media accounts for an inside look at what’s going on there, and you can even check Twitter to see how the employees interact with each other.
What to look for
The tools are there, but gauging a company’s culture starts with what you value most in a working environment. There are a few generally beneficial things, including a collaborative and open environment and the presence of puppies, but an important office perk for one might be an unwelcome distraction for someone else.
Openness vs. privacy
First, think about what kind of workspace works best for you. This can vary by industry and position, but do you appreciate a bustling office with constant communication, or a place where you can hide away and knock out assignments with minimal interference? Or, do you prefer a company that will let you work from home frequently?
While a mindset of openness and cooperation is important for good communication, a physically open office without enough space and privacy can have a detrimental effect on employee productivity, work quality and health.
A healthy career
Your employer’s investment in your health should go beyond insurance and sick leave. When considering a new company, see if it pushes its employees toward healthful choices — like restful breaks, an active life and a balance between work and leisure — or away from them.
As much as you might love the work you’ll be doing, it won’t matter if you don’t stay healthy enough to do it.
Team camaraderie
Working well together is one thing, but how frequently do employees spend leisure time with each other? Whether it’s weekly breakfasts and after-work events, a company ritual or just casual hangouts outside working hours, employees who enjoy each other’s company typically make for a better working environment.
via How to Know If You’ll Be Happy at Your New Job.
How to Know If You"ll Be Happy at Your New Job
