What defines a company’s culture? Is it simply the benefits and perks or is it something bigger, like feeling inspired by those around you to do your best. We’ve asked some of our recent interviewees to chime in on this as well as the bigger question: how much should a company’s culture influence your job search?
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>> A company's culture is hugely important, in my opinion. You know, you can work anywhere, but it's all about the people you surround yourself with, because you've got to spend every day with these people. And so, you want to be around people that have that same value system and want to be in a place where you love to come into the office every day and you love the, you know, the water cooler conversation with people, because you're all, we are all in a joint mission together and you're all really excited about the same things. [ Music ] >> There are a couple of tools out there that will be able to assist you. Glassdoor is a great tool, right? This is a platform in which individuals can stipulate how much they make, they stipulate their progression in the firm, they stipulate how their interview was. It allows you to get a sense of people's feedback of how they feel about the company that they're working for. >> You can love what you're are doing. I could love to sell Heineken products, but if I actually got into the company and the culture was one of individualism, not working together, not supportive, then it doesn't matter how much I was passionate about selling that product or how good I could be at it if the culture itself that is supposed to support you is not strong. So, I would say it's definitely a top, probably top two or three when I've thought about working for other companies. >> The culture of how they treat their people is directly correlated to how they'll treat you, if you were to work for them. So, as you get older, it becomes more important to think about that. But I would still say in your 20's, you obviously want to be first and foremost employed at the end of the day. And then from there, take that experience, leverage it, and then be able to find a place, if it's not the one you're at, that will give you the happiness as well. >> You spend so much time with these people on a day-to-day basis that it's really important that you have that feeling of satisfaction when you walk away from the day, at the end of the day to be able to make a connection with, not only your direct supervisor, but also that your peer group that you'll be working with. >> The company culture matters a lot- company size, even just what do you wear every day? What are the work hours? What's the vacation policy? In a job interview, it's a two-way interview, same with a school in a school interview that you're applying to. They're saying, will you fit in here, but you're also saying, will I fit in here? Do I want to be here? >> The more you can do to gather as much permission as possible before you go in, do that. I mean, if you have someone who you know there, really grill them. Really ask, what is your day-to-day like? What is the best part of the job? What is the most challenging part of the job? Do you like it? Do you want to be there in five years? You know, ask hard questions because people will try to sugarcoat things. People will try to say things and make organizations seem really good, but you want to get honest answers about the truth of what's happening at any organization. And really, take advantage of every resource you can, whether it's people, whether it's online, whether it's reviews. Glassdoor is a great resource. If I had looked at Glassdoor for the job that I had worked previously before this, before I took the job, I probably wouldn't have taken the job. [ Music ]
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