My Career Voyage! Charting The Course

By Patty E. Shaver
Career Development Facilitator

Before you take that job, wait. Answer this question first: "Am I a good fit for this organization?"
Think about it. Hopefully engaged couples make sure they are a good match before they marry. It's also wise to make sure you are a good match with a potential employer.

How can a jobseeker find out about a company's culture?

• Start with the company's web site. What does it say about the environment; the management style; policies and procedures? Read the company's newsletters for more information.
  
• Read newspapers and industry journals or search online for news about the company and its employees.
  
• Ask someone who works at the company what its like to work there. If you don't know of anyone who works there, ask friends, family and aquaintences if they have any contacts. Set up an informational interview. Linked In is a valuable networking tool to help locate employees and hiring managers of companies. If you do not have an account, start one today. Build your network; its vital to the jobsearch.
  
• Visit the company in person if you can, or if your called in for an interview, observe the employees and clients. Do they appear happy? Are they polite, competitive, or helpful? Do they work alone or together as a team? Does the environment seem like one you would like to work in? Do they treat each other as you want to be treated?
  
• If called in for an interview, ask about the company culture, its values, the management style. Ask about the attitudes of the employees and managers. If you value teamwork and harmony, you may not appreciate a competitive or chaotic environment.
  

Taking the time to check out a company's culture in advance is well worth the effort. A good match can lead to a happy, productive union.