Blog – How to choose what company to work for
At times you can be overwhelmed with decisions in your job search. Which job to choose? Which employer to choose? How do I know if I make the right decision? What to do? What to do? What to do? This is especially confronting when you have two or more job opportunities on the table, how do you decide which is the right one for you to commit to?
Unfortunately there is no simple answer. But it does start with weighing up the information. First you need to know what is most important to you. Do you know what your non-negotiable are? Once you are clear on what you need, now is the time to find out as much as possible about the future employer.
Most companies when they are in the process of hiring employees appreciate those that know information about them in advance. And with so much information readily available on the internet and social media you really don’t have any excuse not to be able to find out the minimum details. These minimum details can include: mission, vision, goals and values, any recent news stories featuring, YouTube videos, or any blog posts or information that the company has shared on their website or social media.
If you find a company that has what you need on paper, your next step is to see what you can find out that isn’t published. For example, what do those that have worked within the company or those who are currently working within the company say about the organisation?
For me, what was a non-negotiable was a company with great values and a great culture. When I first applied for work at Challenge Consulting I was nervous, as I knew that some recruitment agencies don’t have the best reputations. I wondered if this company would be different to the rest? I made sure I took the opportunity to meet more than just the person that interviewed me. I was able to observe how team members treated one another as well as how they treated me. I was very impressed by the teamwork and company culture. This great company culture really put me at ease and I knew that this was the place for me. I was home.
So what else should you consider to make sure you choose an employer you will love? In their blog post, Beyond Career Success that listed the following:
- The Company culture. This is very important for a number of reasons. If, for example, you’re an outgoing and laid-back person but the company is buttoned-down and rigid you’re going to have problems fitting in. If you like casual Friday’s and they have a strict dress code you’ll soon find yourself resentful and unhappy.
- Company Management. If we’re being honest dealing with management is always a bit of a problem but some companies make it easier than others. For example, some have policies that make approaching management and voicing new ideas or grievances a lot easier. Some don’t however, and if you work for a company that puts management on a pedestal you better be prepared to sign yourself up for primal scream therapy pronto.
- The Products and / or services you sell. Another deal breaker, if your new company sells products that you wouldn’t even give to your mother-in-law you may soon find yourself regretting your decision to work there. Being able to take pride in what you do is an essential part of happiness on the job.
- The Industry you work in. Similar to your products and services your company sells, if you work in an industry that is negative your work life will be negative also. If you’re a fervent non-smoker, for example, you probably won’t be happy working for a tobacco company. If, however, you do smoke and they have ‘free cigarette Fridays’ then by all means go for it!
- The Size of the company. This depends on what role you see yourself playing in the overall scheme of things. If you’re content being lost in the herd then working for a company that employs hundreds or even thousands of people may not be a problem, but if you want to make a difference (even if it’s small) you probably should work for a smaller company where your voice will be heard.
So work out where you want to go first. Work out what your non-negotiable are and do your research to see if the company stacks up to what you need. And don’t forget that money isn’t always the most important quantity. We tend to thrive when we are surrounded by encouragement and also challenged with further responsibilities and tasks. Otherwise if the day-to-day routine is mundane or lacking substance then what is the point of going to work in the morning?
So do your research, find out as much as you can and make the move. After all, the person who makes that decision to join the company and take on that role is you and no one else. So make the best choices that you can make for your future.
