How to Find a Company Culture that Aligns with Your Goals

As the changes in must-haves for job hunters continues to grow and change, many find themselves listing “company culture” as a must-have on their career wishlist. After a long and tiresome job search, the last thing you want to do is find out that the company you said “yes” to is ultimately not a good fit. Job recruitment and the selection process is slowly gravitating towards hiring based on core values (cultural fit) rather than technical competencies. According to an article published on 7Geese, “One of the reasons for this shift may be attributed to Gen Y entering the workforce and staying at a job for about two years or so, prioritizing meaningful work over pay as well as working for a company that is aligned with their own values.”

An effective workplace culture typically has a motivated and happy staff. So, how do you go about finding a company that has a positive culture? Start by asking yourself what you want from that company (aside from the job itself). Then, upon getting an interview, ask the hiring manager some of the same questions, as the interview is as much about you getting to know the company as it is about the company getting to know you. Here are a few suggestions: 

  • Ask them to describe the company culture in three words. What are they, and why?
  • What’s the working environment like? What’s the best part?
  • What are the most common complaints from employees who work here? (When asking this question, proceed with caution. While it will allow you to know some of the quirks* of the job, you don’t want to seem like you’re mining for negative responses.)
  • What do you love about working here? Get a little more personal and ask your interviewer what brings them to work each day. Save this question for last, as it will end the interview positively and will build a connection with your interviewer.

When it comes to company culture, don’t settle. You won’t want to make the most of a job where you don’t fit. Engineering Search Partners has experience placing job candidates in Atlanta engineering careers that prove to be a great fit. We even go beyond the hire, making sure that the hiring process is seamless for both the new employee and the hiring manager. Contact us today so we can help place you with your next dream job.