There is no successful work experience without a cultural fit with the company. But how do I know if a corporate culture is right for me? Our answers. The cultural fit plays an essential role in well-being at work. Employee satisfaction depends on it. Too great a discrepancy between expectations and reality on the ground will inevitably lead to a series of disillusions, resulting in a serious loss of motivation and, very often, complete disengagement. Today's employees are aware of this. According to a survey conducted by Jobvite in 2018, 88% of respondents said that corporate culture was important when applying for a job, with 46% considering it very important, while 32% of respondents said they were willing to accept a pay cut for a job that satisfies them more. But how do you know that a corporate culture really matches your expectations?
Consult the companies' social networks
It is a good way to begin to understand the culture of any company as a first approach. Go to Facebook and LinkedIn and see what organizations are sharing with their customers. Try to spot key words, elements of language, to get an idea of the spirit in which the company is working. You may even, who knows, spot the names of some acquaintances (current or lost) in contact with or employed by the company you plan to join. It's a great way to gather first-hand information.
Meet your future colleagues
To better understand the corporate culture for which you are applying, you must put aside any shyness and not be satisfied with what you have gleaned on the Internet. One of the best ways to do this is to meet and talk to potential colleagues. Going directly to the source is the best way to get to know the nature of the tasks required, the management style, but also the common difficulties encountered on a daily basis. Do you realize that these are talented and motivated people? This is a good point for the company, which obviously manages to retain them. On the contrary, do your future professional relationships seem demotivated, or you find nothing they say resonates with you when they describe the missions they have to fulfill? Without revealing anything of your possible doubts to them, let the little alarm bell that has just been sounded resound in you. In the end, the proposed job may not be one that will satisfy your aspirations.
Thinking beyond the initial offer
You have to be able to think dynamically. When you apply for a job, in the vast majority of cases, it is not to spend a few short days waiting to see if the grass is greener elsewhere. Hence the idea of thinking immediately in terms of career opportunities. The way the company can offer opportunities for evolution to other functions and roles also characterizes the culture it has chosen to put in place. To find out more on this subject, do not hesitate to ask the recruitment person in charge of your file. This is a good way to anticipate your chances of success within the structure over the long term.
Trust your instincts
It's time to make the decision. It is now up to you to gather all the information and ask yourself: "Will I thrive in this new position? " Of course, there will always be a part of the unknown. The importance of the moment, however, should not lead you to paralysis. Trust your instincts to assess whether the culture and values of the company are aligned with your own. According to Hubspot's Ultimate Guide to Corporate Culture, the three most common words used to characterize a corporate culture are : - Trust - Integrity - Honesty See if this trio of heads corresponds (in order or not) to your expectations. If not, add to this list the values that are important to you (team spirit, autonomy, fun...) and match them with what you know about the culture of the company for which you are applying. This will ensure that the organization's structure reflects your desires and that it is the place where you can fully develop professionally.