The majority of Job Hunters or career movers accept new employment never knowing as to whether they will fit into the new Employer’s work culture. Sometimes it is a happy match, and you will fit right in and flourish, however, if it is a mismatch, regardless as to what you have to offer your new Employer, things simply do not work out the way you expected.

job hunting And Company culture

Remember, poor employee morale, or a Company Culture that conflicts with your values, or a management style that’s hostile, fickle or demoralizing can turn a seemingly great career opportunity into a dead end in no time at all. And the last thing you want to do is leave a Company you’re not happy at to start a job at another Company you’re not happy at. Makes sense doesn’t it?

Here’s how do you get low-down on Company Culture especially before you participate in an Employer interview.

1. Play the sleuth – yes! Investigate!

The most obvious way is to locate a friend, former colleague, friend of a friend, or a LinkedIn contact that currently works at the Company of interest

Be careful how you do this don’t just ask, “Hey, what’s XYZ Company like?” Instead, go with something like this example, “I understand that you work for XYZ Company, is it true that they are going through a reorganization? What’s the impact of this on you and your team?” You will know how to phrase this type of question by looking at their news feeds for any relevant information or topic that you use to scope a question. Remember to keep your conversation positive, professional when you scope out what any changes, initiatives, new products or news has on the staff —especially if you don’t know this person well (or not at all). Handled well he or she could end up being a great internal reference for you, however, if you are too pushy or blunt they could work against your success in gaining the job. Gently does it!

2. Ask Former Employees

To minimize the above risk, you could search out and talk to former employees. Once again use the LinkedIn people search [remember DO NOT check the search box indicating “current employees”]. People who no longer work at the Company are sometimes more willing to be candid and give you the good, the bad and the ugly than a current employee.

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3. Check the News

The most obvious instinct to have when researching a Companies of interest is to go right to their website or LinkedIn page. On the surface, this may appear to be an obvious method, but keep in mind that whatever content is revealed is generated by the Company’s marketing team and is written in the first person to project a good image deliberately and strategically.

You may find stronger and less biased information relating to a Company’s Culture if you dig around on Google or Bing, why not try searching for “XYX Company problems” or variants on this theme to see what you can uncover – if it’s out there you’ll find it. Just be sure and review this information with a critical eye and an open mind—some of the gripes will be coming from people who are just professional complainers.

4. Talk To Customers Or Suppliers

This may seem extreme, but remember Company Culture matters and customers and suppliers are also recipients of how well or how bad a Company treats them. It reveals more to the “how this company treats the people it works with” than to the overall corporate culture. This is important.  You may be able to gain some strong hints to the Company’s core values and care toward others [both key elements that make up culture]. What’s more, you will find out real granular detail such as: What is their response time? How do they handle conflict or problems with customers? How well do they collaborate with their partners and support teams? Information may not be forthcoming, but you may uncover how third parties view your prospective Employer’s Company.

How can you find out Customers or Suppliers? If the Company lists “Our Clients” on its Company website, you’re well on your way. Once again use LinkedIn to see if you know anyone working at these Companies.

5. Job focus is 360-degrees

It is human nature to adopt telescopic focus when offered a job opportunity, looking singularly at the role in question. You will be computing facts like skill matches, responsibilities, learning new abilities, Company location, salary improvements, status, and career progression. Learn to use a wide angled approach. The wider the better! Recruitment is a Match, Mismatch process adopted by the Recruiter, the Employer and definitely the Candidate.

Company Culture matters as it is one of the prime criteria as to whether you will enjoy longevity in a job, or not! Every job opportunity needs to be viewed with a 360-degree mindset.