Connections

As a Black woman who successfully navigated the corporate world, I learned that choosing the right company to work for is a crucial decision. It goes beyond the job description and salary – it's about finding an organization that aligns with your values, fosters your growth, and acknowledges and respects your identity. When you’re looking for the perfect dress you try on several, right? Some are a ho hum fit. Others fit you so perfectly it was as if it was designed specifically for you. Doesn’t it stand to reason that you’d want the latter experience with the company you choose to spend a significant chunk of your waking hours with? Umm hmm. Thought so. That’s why I've laid out a few factors you should consider when determining if a company is a good fit for you. You're a badass at what you do and you deserve to work for a company worthy of receiving your excellence. (You can thank me later)

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Begin with Your Values

Before even setting foot in an interview, it's essential to have a clear understanding of your values and what you're looking for in a company. Your aspirations as a Black woman rising through the ranks of corporate America may be different than other women of color, white women and men in general. Take some time to reflect on what matters most to you.

Here are five values to explore:

• Diversity and Inclusion: I know it’s a given that we should look for signs that a company values and actively promotes diversity and inclusion. But how do you check under the company’s hood to really determine if they’re cultivating an environment that goes beyond the company’s PR and social media fluff and fosters one where you can thrive? Do your due diligence: how many senior executives are Black women? What percentage of their workforce is diverse (do a company search + people on LinkedIn and see how many women look like you pop up).
• Mentorship and Growth: What opportunities for professional development and mentorship does the company offer that can help you with your career progression? Take time to visit their “people’s” page on their website and see what kind of professional development programs they are showcasing. Generally, the most popular and successful programs make the website.
• Work-Life Balance: Post pandemic we’re still trying to separate our home lives from our work lives. As Black women we’ve historically been the ones most likely charged with caring for our grandmother’s brother, our parents, and our own children (and maybe a couple of our sister’s kids too). Whew! That’s A LOT. How does the company acknowledge how they lead in the work-life balance space? What are their personal days off policy? Family leave? When you introduce yourself to someone who works for the company (and you will before you go on an interview, right?) ask them point blank how the company encourages work-life balance. If they give you a blank stare – you might want to keep it moving sister!
• Corporate Social Responsibility: Which organizations does the company acknowledge or boast about supporting? What are their giving priorities? When the world goes awry (mass shootings, civil unrest) are there statements issued publicly or even within the company corridors? What commitments have they made to positively impacting communities that matter to you and to the world at large? How have they honored these commitments?

Does she sound like a different person after five?

• Authenticity: This one is a hard one ya'll. Companies say they want you to be your most authentic self. Then suddenly you're being told you're too assertive, aggressive or assuming. You find yourself code-switching the minute you walk through the office door. Tell tale signs: Who is the most "real" sistah you've seen working for the company? Does she feel as if she's comfortable in her own skin when her superiors or colleagues are around? Does she act one way with you during the day and like a totally different person after five? Does she sound like a different person after five? Yes, this could be more reflective of her than of the company. But you need to consider she's adapted for a reason. And if every Black woman you meet from this company acts like her, I think you've got your answer.

PR begins at home. If a company’s workforce is throwing shade at the company when they think they are in a “safe” environment, you should probably trust their candor.

Factors to Consider

Once you've identified your values, it's time to consider other factors that can help you determine whether a company is the right fit for you:

• Company Culture: Research the company's culture and see if it aligns with your values. Websites like Glassdoor and employee reviews on social media can provide insights into what it's like to work there. The best way to get this kind of information is via word-of-mouth. So again, reaching out to your network or using LinkedIn is a great way to identify people from within the company who can give you an insider’s perspective on the way things are really managed there. I caution my corporate clients all the time that positive PR begins at home. If a company’s workforce is throwing shade at the company when they think they are in a “safe” environment, you should probably trust their candor. But the only way to know for sure is by connecting with someone on the inside.
• Employee Resource Groups: Does the company have employee resource groups (ERGs) that support diversity? Believe it or not, there are still companies out there that don’t! So never assume. Find out before you say, “I Do” to a proposed job offer.
• Equal Pay and Opportunities: Investigate whether the company has a track record of paying Black women and other underrepresented groups fairly and offering them equal opportunities for career advancement. A Google search may turn up companies who have faced discriminatory compensation packages that went public. Or worse, viral. Mrs. Ruby at church might have a daughter who sued the very company you’re interested in working for. You won’t know if you don’t put your feelers out there. And even if your parents don’t work in the corporate sector never underestimate who they may know. The world is full of six-degrees of separation.

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Qualifying Interview Questions

Ok, you’ve done your preliminary informal research and so far, so good. You’re now about to dive headfirst into the interview process, and trust me, now’s not the time to be shy. If you want your role at this company to fit you like a designer gown, you’ve got to test drive it. How? By asking the questions that matter and watching how they’re answered from those officially representing the company. So you politely ask:

1. How does the company promote diversity and inclusion? Can you provide examples of initiatives or programs in place?
2. What is the company’s approach to career development and mentorship, especially for underrepresented groups?
3. Can you share some statistics regarding pay equity within the company, especially for Black women and other underrepresented groups?
4. What is the company’s stance on work-life balance, and are there policies or programs in place to support it?
5. Could you provide insights into the company’s employee resource groups, and how I can get involved in them?
6. Can you describe the company's approach to community involvement and corporate social responsibility? Which organizations receive significant corporate contributions or support?
7. Can you provide specific examples of how the company has handled or addressed incidents of bias, discrimination, or workplace microaggressions in the past?
8. What leadership opportunities are available within the organization for someone at my career stage, and do you offer formal mentorship and sponsorship programs?
9. Could you describe the company's approach to cultural sensitivity and ensuring all employees can bring their authentic selves to work?

Remember, the interview process isn't just about impressing the company, but also assessing whether the company is a good fit for you and if it aligns with your values, supports your growth, and respects your identity. Connect with current and former employees and use these connections along with your thoughtful interview questions to make an informed decision to find a thriving workplace. I also thought this list that Bauce Magazine comprised of the best companies for Black women to work for might be helpful. Still be sure to run each one through your qualifying process.

Level Up With Grace is an award-winning newsletter created for African-American women in corporate America. Designed to equip Black women (and others) who want to unapologetically create a stellar career with the strategies, insights, and techniques needed to excel in corporate America. Executive coach Cheryl Grace shares a curation of thoughts, articles, profiles, trends, and tactics that can help women advance to their next professional level, wherever they are on their career journey.?Weekly emphasis on?Confidence,?Curiosity,?Case Studies?(Personal Profiles),?Connection?(Networking), or?Course of Action?(What to DO).?Please subscribe and/or share!

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Powerful Penny LLC?is an executive coaching, consulting, and lifestyle firm founded by veteran corporate executive Cheryl Grace. We work with corporations seeking to promote, retain, and support diverse talent, as well as diverse professionals seeking to advance to their next level of career success. Our professional development services, coaching programs, and speaking/workshop series are fully customizable.?Discover how we can help you achieve your desired long-term results!