How To Find A Job With A Good Company Culture?

In today's competitive job market, landing a position that aligns with your skills and qualifications is only part of the equation. It is equally important to find a job with a company culture that suits your values and promotes a positive work environment.

To answer ‘How to find a job with a good company culture?’ we first need to understand what we mean by a ‘good company culture.’ A strong company culture can greatly contribute to your job satisfaction, professional growth, and overall well-being. However, navigating the search for such a company can be challenging.

In this guide, we will explore key strategies and steps to help you find a job with a good company culture that enhances your career experience.

What will we learn here?

• What is company culture?
• Types of company culture
• Assessing the culture of a company
• 7 steps to find a job with great company culture

Without delay, let’s dive into the definition of company culture, how to assess it, and how to find a job with a good one.

What is Company Culture?

Company culture refers to the shared values, beliefs, and behaviors that shape how people work together within an organization. It's the personality and atmosphere of a company influencing everything from employee interactions to decision-making processes.

“Culture isn't just one aspect of the game; it is the game. In the end, an organization is nothing more than the collective capacity of its people to create value.” - Lou Gerstner.

A survey conducted by Glassdoor in 2019 suggests that 77% of job seekers considered a company's culture an important factor during a job search.

The company/workplace culture matters when looking for a job because it sets the tone for how you'll feel at work every day. A positive and supportive culture can make you happier, more engaged, and ultimately more successful in your career.

Types of Company Culture

Good company culture is highly valued by almost half the global workforce because it enhances job satisfaction, improves employee retention, boosts productivity, attracts top talent, prioritizes employee well-being, fosters innovation, and contributes to a positive reputation.

But, not all organizations perceive company culture the same way. Based on their organizational structure and goals, culture may change accordingly. So, let us see the different company culture types to know better.

1. Clan Culture

It's like being part of a big work family in a clan culture. Everyone works closely together, supports each other, and there's a strong sense of belonging. It's all about teamwork and open communication.

2. Adhocracy Culture

Imagine working in an adhocracy culture like a creative playground! It's all about thinking outside the box, trying new ideas, and being flexible. Innovation and risk-taking are encouraged, making it an exciting and dynamic workplace.

3. Market Culture

In a market culture, it's a bit like a friendly competition. Achieving goals and delivering results are highly valued. It's all about being competitive, meeting customer needs, and staying ahead.

4. Hierarchy Culture

In a hierarchical culture, things are more structured and organized. It's like having a clear roadmap and knowing who's in charge. Roles and responsibilities are well-defined, ensuring stability and a sense of order in the workplace.

How to Assess the Culture of a Company?

Now that you understand what culture means and the types of cultural differences organizations follow, you need to discover which is your right fit. In other words, you need to understand your cultural fit. Here are a few questions it should answer positively on 6 important parameters:

1. Values: Do your values align with the company’s values?
2. Environment: Does the work environment match your style of working?
3. Team: Do you see yourself connecting well with the team members?
4. Growth: Do you see any career growth and development opportunities?
5. Purpose: Do you feel motivated to work for the company's purpose and vision?
6. Balance: Does the work culture at the company you’ve applied to support your work-life balance?

Around the above parameters, you need to decide which matters to you the most. It is hard to find a company that matches all your career expectations.

So it is important to make a list of the things in a job that are ‘must-haves’ for you and the ones that are ‘nice to have.’ Assess the company based on these factors by studying employee reviews and ratings. The following sections will highlight the steps involved in a detailed evaluation.

Understanding What You Are Looking For

According to Sarah Ellis and Helen Tupper, founders of Amazing If, there's an activity called "scanning" that can help you discover your career preferences.

When you read job descriptions, consider the phrases that truly excite you. Is it an opportunity for innovation? Working with a team? Identifying these phrases will help you better understand what you want when making a career move.

8 Red Flags to Look Out for to Identify the Company Culture

When searching for a job, watch out for these 8 red flags during the application and interview process:

1. Poor communication or lack of responsiveness from the company during the interview process.
2. Vague job descriptions or unrealistic expectations.
3. Unprofessional behavior or disrespectful treatment during interviews.
4. Conflicting or unclear information about the company, role, or responsibilities.
5. High turnover rates or negative employee reviews.
6. Limited growth opportunities or lack of career development support.
7. Excessive workload expectations or signs of a poor work-life balance.
8. Financial instability or signs of ongoing financial struggles within the company.

These red flags can help you identify potential issues and make an informed decision about pursuing opportunities with a particular company.

7 Steps to Find a Job with Great Company Culture

Now, let's explore the detailed steps of finding a job while prioritizing the organization’s culture. By considering cultural fit throughout the process, we can find an organization where our values align, the work environment suits us, and growth opportunities abound.

Let's navigate the job search successfully with cultural fit as our guiding compass with the following 7 steps.

Step 1: Evaluate the Job Description

Look for clues in the job description that reflect a positive company culture. Pay attention to keywords like "collaborative," "innovative," or "team-oriented" that hint at a supportive work environment.

Step 2: Visit the Company’s Website and Careers Page

Explore their website to learn about their mission, values, and the perks and benefits they offer. The careers page can provide insights into their commitment to employee growth and development.

Step 3: Check for Reviews and Ratings

Head to platforms like Glassdoor, Google reviews, and social media to gather feedback from past and current employees. Consider their experiences, both positive and negative, to get a well-rounded perspective on the company's corporate culture.

Glassdoor takes employee reviews seriously when it comes to rating a company. They want to hear from people like you, anonymously sharing your experiences and thoughts on the work environment, leadership, values, and growth opportunities. By aggregating these reviews, Glassdoor provides an overall rating and valuable insights into various aspects like:

• Culture and value
• Diversity and inclusion
• Work/life balance
• Senior management
• Compensation and benefits
• Career opportunities

Reviews on these factors help you make informed decisions to find the best company culture based on real employee feedback.

Step 4: Check the Company’s LinkedIn Page

Visit the company's LinkedIn page to understand its industry presence, employee engagement, and notable achievements. Look for endorsements and recommendations from top talent, indicating a positive work environment.

Here’s what else you can find on LinkedIn:

• Get to know the team: By checking out employee profiles under the “People” tab, you can see who works there and get a sense of their backgrounds and expertise.
• Stay in the loop: Companies often share updates, articles, and posts on LinkedIn that give you insights into their values, events, and initiatives.
• Hear from others: Employee recommendations and endorsements on LinkedIn can provide a glimpse into the relationships and camaraderie within the company.
• See it in action: Check out their past and upcoming events under the “Events” tab on the company page. This gives you a perception of the activities they promote for culture.
• Celebrate success: Company news, awards, and achievements showcased on LinkedIn can reflect a culture that values and celebrates accomplishments. It's like seeing a company high-five its employees!

Step 5: Ask Questions During the Interview

Use the interview to ask about the company's corporate culture directly. Inquire about teamwork, employee development, and how they foster a positive work environment.

For example, you can ask both direct and indirect questions like:

• If you had to describe your corporate culture using just three words, what would they be and why?
• What's one hidden ingredient for this company's success that outsiders might not know about?
• How can I access the information I need to thrive in this role?
• What kinds of people tend to excel here? And on the flip side, what qualities or behaviors have led to people not thriving or leaving?
• How does the company show appreciation for employees' accomplishments?

Step 6: Talk to Past and Current Employees

Contact people who have worked or are currently working at the company if possible. Their insights can provide valuable firsthand information about the culture and whether it aligns with you. Here are some questions that you can ask them:

• What made you excited to come to work each day?
• How was the work-life balance and support for personal well-being?
• Can you share a memorable moment where the company demonstrated its commitment to employee growth and development?
• In what ways did you feel appreciated or recognized for your contributions and achievements while working there?
• Were there any initiatives or programs promoting employee well-being and mental health?
• Can you share a specific example of when the company demonstrated open and transparent communication with employees?
• Was there a space for employees to express their grievances, and how were they addressed?

Step 7: Assess the Interview Process

Reflect on your interview experience. Consider these questions:

• Did the recruiter juggle the schedule before finally getting you in for the interview?
• Were the interviewers prepared, or did the interview questions seem like they were thrown in last minute?
• And when you asked about the job, were the answers all over the map or consistent?

Remember, how you're treated during the interview can give you a glimpse into the company's culture and how they value their employees. Trust your instincts and consider these experiences when deciding if it fits you right.

Bottom Line

Assessing company culture before accepting a job offer is crucial. It helps ensure you'll thrive in a positive work environment, with values aligned and colleagues who support and inspire you. Don't underestimate its impact on your happiness and professional growth.

What could happen if you joined a company that has a bad culture?

Joining a company with a bad culture can have negative consequences. You might feel demotivated, stressed, and undervalued. It could affect your mental health, work-life balance, and overall job satisfaction.

A positive culture breeds happiness, motivation, and success. Don't settle for less—take the time to assess and find a company that truly fits you, where you'll thrive and enjoy the journey every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What do you mean by a strong work culture?

A strong work culture is one with maximum communication within the organization. It's all about creating a comfortable space to share ideas, thoughts, and opinions freely. Open and effective communication is a must for any organization to thrive.

2. Can company culture be the key to success?

A company's culture significantly impacts its overall success or failure. It touches every aspect of the business and is closely linked to employee satisfaction. Creating a positive culture is essential for achieving long-term success and fostering a happy and motivated workforce.

3. How do I know if a company will be right for me?

• Research their values and culture.
• Assess job descriptions for alignment.
• Seek employee insights.
• Ask insightful questions during interviews.

4. What are some examples of best company cultures?

• Google
• Apple
• Zappos
• Wegmans
• GoDaddy
• NVIDIA