The culture club
Prospective employers can gauge your skills fairly easily in an interview and they know they can shape and train a candidate with strong potential in areas of knowledge that are otherwise lacking. But what they can't teach you is whether or not you fit in with their company culture.
We know prospective employers are looking for cultural fit, so why shouldn't you?
Trying to carve out a place for yourself in a company that isn't quite right for you is a little like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole! On the flipside, taking the time to find a company that shares your values will bring greater on-the-job satisfaction, and that's got to be good.
Trying to carve out a place for yourself in a company that isn't quite right for you is a little like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole!
Our top three reasons why culture matters are:
- You'll be happier. Working with, and for, likeminded people, who share your attitude towards work, will increase the amount of satisfaction you feel in your job. What's more, working in an environment where you feel valued by your managers and colleagues will make you happier.
- You'll do better. To be stimulated to grow and learn in your job, you need to be in an environment that you're comfortable in. If you love working in a structured environment, then you're going to thrive in a company that has clear guidelines and protocols in place. Likewise, if you take a job in a creative workplace, your skills are likely to be enhanced if you feel comfortable expressing yourself.
- You'll feel at home. The minute you walk in the door and meet people who mirror your principles and communication style, you'll feel at ease. You'll begin to settle in much quicker and you'll feel like part of the company. This benefits your employer too as you'll invest more into your work and be more productive.
Many interviewers these days will ask questions aimed at deciphering whether or not you're a good cultural fit for their company. They know it's good for their business, just as you know it's good for your career development, so make sure they're not the only ones asking the big questions.
Ask questions about:
- Their overarching management style
- How teams are structured
- How long your interviewer has been with the company
- Their philosophy on work-life balance
- Physical aspects; the dress code and office layout
