Finding a job nowadays has become something of an art. There are countless blogs giving advice to companies on how to write compelling ads. As job hunters, we’re taught which red flags to look out for to ensure we don’t fall for empty promises. But what happens when you’ve found a great company… but are unsure if YOU’RE the one who might not fit in?
Well, we’re here to help clear things up for you. Let’s get to it!
Their Mission and Vision Appeal to you
Every good company has a mission and a vision – a goal it strives for, a set of values they stand behind proudly. It’s usually a statement right under the company name. Not sure what that entails? Here are some examples:
- TED: “Spread ideas.”
- PayPal: “To build the Web’s most convenient, secure, cost-effective payment solution.”
- Kickstarter: “To help bring creative projects to life.”
- Adobe: “To move the web forward and give web designers and developers the best tools and services in the world.”
Visions and missions summarise the company’s aim in how it wants to improve life and/or business. Seeing yourself standing proudly for the same values is a good indicator you’re the right fit.
Can you See Yourself Working There?
If you have been given a tour of the company during the interview, then you already have some idea about the workspace and your potential co-workers. If not, find photos online or on social media. Are you able to picture yourself there? Imagine going about your day and work in that office space, or doing the necessary field work, and so on. Being able to see yourself at the potential new workplace is a good sign.
Consult Others
Speaking of potential co-workers, make an effort to reach out to some of them. Of course, this is desirable only if you know someone who works there or you have a friend or a family member who knows someone. Do a little digging, and if given the opportunity, ask the right questions:
- What can you say about company culture?
- How much has the company changed?
- Can you balance your private and business life?
- What are your favourite and least favourite things about the company?
- What advice would you give to every new employee?
These are just some of the questions you can ask. They seem specific and maybe irrelevant, bud digging through the minds of current employees gives wonderful insights. You won’t be going in blindly.
You Have Something to Offer
Knowing you’re a right fit also means you feel like you can contribute to the company in some way. If you feel fear and nervousness about working there, but also know you have plenty of other skills to bring to the table, then it’s a match. This is the kind of drive you want to escort you through the door for your interview. It’s what everyone needs to survive and progress at work. This kind of drive is difficult to find again, should the company turn out to not be a match.
They Let You Learn and Grow
Companies that leave employees’ intellectual growth to their own devices are dime a dozen. Less common are those who offer coaching sessions, conferences, courses, and programmes that improve their workers’ skill set. If you’ve found such a company and you’re the kind of person who needs a dynamic workplace, then that company could be the right choice.
They Take Care of Employees
This one focuses more on whether the company is right for you, not the other way around. But it’s an important point nonetheless. Fancy company culture, expensive team building activities or learning opportunities simply won’t suffice unless the company offers basic benefits. Health insurance, public or private, a pension plan, a good work-life balance… Make sure you research these before you decide to apply.
Don’t Skimp on the Research!
The best way to know if a business is a right fit for you and vice versa is to do thorough research. Do some benevolent stalking on LinkedIn, the company Twitter and Instagram pages. Try to piece together what kind of culture they’re nurturing, as fake smiles and staged photos are easy to spot from a mile away.
To Summarise
Being a good fit for a company is more than just checking all the boxes in the “Required Skills” section. It is advisable to do some extensive research on the company before even applying. The best way is to ask current employees about their experiences, expectations, and realities of working for the said company. What’s more, you should be in tune with your own career path – does the company fit in it?
Will it help you learn and improve, and give you the professional boost you need? The better you approach this company-screening process, the easier it will be for you to decide whether or not you’re a good it.