Many candidates think that the job search journey is one-sided. That it is only the company that should be particular about what they want. That is far from the truth. The job market is flooded with great talent and amazing companies that are both looking for value and the ‘right’ fit. Once you have navigated the complex, challenging and ever-changing world of job search, you are ready to decide if the company(s) that excite and entice you, will be the right fit.
I am sure it’s the right fit! Are you? You may say I have matched the requirements to the ‘T’, gotten to the last round of interviews and maybe even received an offer. But have you evaluated if the company is right for you? Here are four ways to determine if the company you are choosing is right for you.
1. The Company Values Align with Yours
Company values? What? They never mentioned that in the interview? Did you ask? I like to describe the interview process as a mutual discovery process. That means you should be learning at least as much about the company as the company is learning about you. One of the most common tests of ‘company fit’ is to evaluate how the company’s values align with your own. Perhaps you value a culture of recognition, giving back to the community or continuous improvement. Does the company value the same? If not, you could be walking into a culture driven by values that are not right for you.
2. Opportunities to Learn and Grow
There are so many new technologies, processes and opportunities to learn and develop out there. Is your company feeding your curiosity by allowing you to explore, learn and grow? I always encourage candidates to ask questions around their potential role’s scope to grow, as well as how their personal development will be supported. One of the best competitive advantages is a workforce that is continuously learning and evolving to solve challenges and provide better value and service to customers. Studies have shown that companies that consistently invest in their employees are more productive, have greater employee satisfaction and engagement and realize greater profits. How is the company of your dreams supporting your learning and growth goals?
3. Accommodation vs Inconvenience
Have you ever heard a colleague or friend talk about the challenge they are having with being able to get a few extra minutes to drop their child off for daycare? Or perhaps it is quite the opposite, and your friends are sharing how their companies accommodate flexible hours, facilitate a schedule that allows them to take care of elderly parents, or maybe just providing the ability to work form home when required. Is accommodating employees part of the company’s culture and values? Are they supportive of life stages and their requirements? Or do they see this as an inconvenience to the company? Workplace accommodations can take many forms. From flexible work weeks to providing time off for personal reasons. How does the company view this? All businesses have expectations, targets and goals. However, life changes and demands can create scenarios that may require accommodation, empathy and employing creative strategy. Are your requests likely to be met with accommodation or a conversation about inconvenience?
4. Connection between Role and Goal
In your interview, did you get a clear understanding of how your new role contributes to the overall goal of the organization? Does the organization have goals? Were they shared in the interview? Would they be shared with you during on-boarding? According to a 2017 Employee Engagement and Retention study conducted by Kimble Applications, 75% of American workers care deeply about the well-being of their employer and only 23% say they have full insight into how their organizations are actually doing. It is safe to say that as a candidate and potential employee you are ready to get vested into the company and actively contribute to its well-being. But as studies show, blind dedication can lead to reduced engagement, retention and productivity. Are you ok with just contributing? Do you want to know what your labor is contributing to? You will need to find out if there is a clear connection between your role and company’s goals.
There are so many amazing companies out there looking for great talent that will add value and bring innovative ideas and thinking to transform the way they do business. Do not settle! Make sure the company you choose aligns with your values.
Originally published at www.aldeenst.com