How to identify a workplace with great company culture

So you’ve just landed your dream role, but it’s not until your first day on the job that you realise the company culture does not fit your ideal of a great place to work. This scenario is all too common, but there are some measures you can take to find out whether a company’s culture is the best fit for you. Here’s our guide on how to identify a workplace with great company culture.

• Understand your own values and wants: We spend a large percentage of our lives in our place of work, so it’s vital to know what you want from that environment - are you looking for somewhere that encourages continued career progression? Or is a company that offers regular team-building and social opportunities most important to you? Write a list of the top 3 things you value in a workplace and assess your own concept of an ideal company culture.

• Check the company’s online presence: Most companies will have an ‘about us’ section, or something similar, on their website which will give you an insight into what the company is about and how they present themselves. Don’t forget to also look up their presence on social media. Do they regularly share updates about staff achievements or activities outside of work such as charity efforts? If so, it can show that the happiness of their employees and local community is important to their culture.

• Search for connections in your network: If you know anyone who has worked for that company in the past, or someone in the same industry who might be aware of their reputation try and get a first-hand review of what it is like to work there. It’s best to take this approach with caution however as everyone’s experiences and expectations of a good company culture are different.

• Find out what drew the interviewer to the company: Once you’ve reached the interview stage it’s good to remember that an interview is a two way procedure - as much as they are assessing whether you’re a good fit for the job, it is also an opportunity for you to decide if you want to work for them. A good way to do this is to ask the interviewee what they like about working for the company and why. If they don’t have very much to say it might be a red flag.

• Ask about training and career development: This is also a good chance to enquire about your progression opportunities in the role at hand. A company that offers regular training, professional development and promotion opportunities often hold a value on retaining their staff and building a strong community within their workforce, favouring a positive environment to keep their employees happy.

• Trust your gut instinct: Once you have met with your potential employer and completed your interview you will generally have a feeling about whether the company will be an ideal fit for you. If there are any doubts you could always discuss further with the employer what their company culture is like. If your gut instinct is telling you no, sometimes it is best to trust it and look at other potential opportunities.

For expert advice from the recruitment specialists on any aspect of your career, email consultants@1strecruit.co.uk or call 01534 875444.