How to research a company before joining
Are you considering a new job opportunity and want to make sure you’re joining the right organisation? It’s essential to research a company before joining to ensure you’re comfortable with the work environment, the benefits, and the company culture.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the information you should be looking for and where you can find it.
What information should you look for
In a recent poll we conducted on linkedin we asked our network what they wished they knew more about their workplace before accepting an offer.
The results indicated that people in the majority wished they had known more about company culture.
It can be difficult to get a clear picture of company culture prior to joining as the official culture may vary from the reality.
How to learn about a workplace’s culture before joining.
The best way to learn about a company’s workplace culture before accepting an offer is to ask employees questions. These are the best questions to ask in an interview to discover more about workplace culture.
- How would you describe the company culture here?
- What is your favorite part about working here?
- What are some initiatives your company has to define and constantly improve the company culture?
- What do you think makes the company culture here unique?
- What is the best way to learn more about the company culture here?
If they are part of the management team they may paint a picture of a culture which is much rosier than the reality. So take it with a pinch of salt.
When researching a potential employer, there are several other key areas to consider:
- Work-life balance: Understanding the company’s policies on work-life balance can help you determine if the organization values its employees’ well-being.
- Benefits: Knowing what benefits are offered by the company can help you determine if the compensation package is competitive and meets your needs.
- Hierarchy: Understanding the company’s hierarchy can provide insights into the decision-making process and the level of control you’ll have over your work.
- Operations: Knowing the company’s operations and goals can help you determine if they align with your own career aspirations.
- Competitors: Researching the company’s competitors can provide valuable insights into the company’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as the overall industry landscape.
Where to find information to research a company before joining
When researching a potential employer, there are several sources of information to consider:
Company Social Media:
Many organisations use social media platforms to promote their company culture and values. A company LinkedIn page, Instagram or Facebook can be a good place to get an insight into what it is like to work at a the company. It is also a chance to see how employees interact with the company.
However any official content would have passed through the marketing department so it will not reveal any negative aspects of working for an organisation.
Company Website:
A company’s website can provide a wealth of information, including the company’s history, values, and goals and latest news.Some company webpages will also include a careers section which explains what it is like to work at the company.
Job listing
The language used in the job listing can reveal more about the organisation than you would expect at the surface level.
If a company describes their “collaborative and open culture,” you likely won’t be dealing with an office where everyone keeps to themselves. A ‘fast-paced, hard-working culture’ could mean a very focused work environment with long hours, where a ‘relaxed’ culture might place more of an emphasis on work-life balance.
Social Media:
Searching for the company on social media platforms can help you learn about the company’s reputation and culture. Particularly if there are posts about the particular company made from outside the company’s official communication channels.
Employee Survey Platforms:
Employee survey platforms such as Glassdoor can provide valuable insights into the company’s work environment, benefits, and culture, as well as anonymous reviews from current and former employees.
Glassdoor, Seek and The Muse all provide a platform to view what it is like to work within the company. It is generally a more realistic view of the business than the one which is portrayed by the company itself as the company doesn’t hold any control over what reviews are published. Although it can also be tainted by reviews from scorned employees seeking revenge for a perceived wrong.
Talk to a recruiter
If the company is using a recruitment firm in their hiring process, then it is worth learning as much about the working environment from the recruiter as you can.
Good recruiters want to place the right candidate in the right place. By developing a close relationship with a hiring manager they can gain a realistic view into culture and environment of the company which they are hiring for.
If they don’t feel it is the right environment to meet your needs or goals then they will advise you accordingly.
If you would like to discuss our available roles you can reach out to our recruitment consultants here
Conclusion
Researching a potential employer is a critical step in securing the right job for you. By understanding the company’s policies, goals, and culture, you can ensure that you’re joining an organisation that aligns with your career aspirations and values. By using the information and resources outlined in this blog post, you can make an informed decision and take control of your career path.
 | As candidate experience coordinator at Frazer Tremble, Gabrielle matches tranformational individuals with amazing opportunities to advance their careers in the IT & Digital Fields. She strives to make the recruitment process as positive and impactful as possible for the talented people she works with. Connect with Gabrielle on linkedin to discover the latest roles in Tech and Digital and tips and advice for your next career move! |
