Job Searching for the Culture You Want
Many people mistakenly believe the job search is only about finding a position that’s a match for your skills and interests, but company culture is equally important. If the practices and values of the organization don’t align with your own, you’ll be polishing your resume again in no time at all. Company culture dictates a number of key factors that lead to job satisfaction, including when, how and where you work. It is also sets the tone for important things like the amount of time you’re expected to socialize with co-workers outside the office and the training you receive to keep your skill level up-to-date.
Ask pointed questions.
During a job interview, it goes without saying that you need to ask questions about the job itself, but you also have to learn as much as you can about the company. Ask questions such as “What types of behaviors are rewarded?” and “How effectively does the company communicate with its employees?” to learn more about its culture. You may catch the interviewer off-guard with these slightly nontraditional inquiries, but that increases the likelihood of getting a genuine response.
Look for subtle clues.
Pay close attention to the interactions you have with current employees prior to and during your interview, as these can be very revealing. If HR takes a long time to return your calls and emails — or doesn’t bother to get back to you at all — you can probably expect this level of respect from your colleagues, if hired. Similarly, if everyone constantly seems rushed, frazzled and stressed, this is likely an indication that the work environment is very hectic. The facial expressions, interactions between employees and general mood of the office that you witness don’t lie, so make a point to be very observant during your interview.
Conduct online research.
These days, there’s no shortage of available information online about most companies. Use this to your advantage by conducting research to learn more about what it might be like to work there. Carefully read the organization’s social media posts to see the tone used and the brand identity presented. Visit sites like Glassdoor.com to see what past and present employees have to say about working at the company, as these reviews can be very telling. It can even be helpful to look for customer reviews, as the way a business treats its clientele can be indicative of its overall outlook.
Look past really great perks.
Many companies offer really amazing perks, such as 100% paid healthcare, on-site gym and free snacks in the kitchen, but don’t let this cloud your judgment. Sometimes these incentives really are as wonderful as they seem, but they also could be a way to compensate for making employees work long hours or even suggest that the company seriously lacks direction. The thrill of great perks will wear off very quickly if you don’t fit in with the company culture.
Finding the right company culture is essential to attaining job satisfaction for the long term. If you would like to learn more about how we can help you find your next behavioral health position, contact us today at (513) 651-9500 or by email at info@psychpros.com.