Finding the Perfect Match: A Comprehensive Guide to Company Research Before You Commit

How to research a company before joining.

Thinking about a new job and want to be sure it's the right fit? Researching a company is key to knowing if you'll like the work environment, benefits, and culture. In this blog post, we'll show you what to look out for and where to find it.

In a recent LinkedIn poll, we asked our network what they wish they had known about their workplace before accepting the job offer. The majority said they wanted to know more about the company culture. Understanding the true company culture can be hard before joining, as it may differ from what's officially presented.

How to learn about a workplace’s culture before joining.

To really understand a company's culture before accepting a job, it's wise to ask current employees some important questions. Here are the best questions to ask in an interview to get a clear picture of the workplace culture:

- What's the company culture like?

- What do you enjoy most about working here?

- How does the company work on improving its culture?

- What makes your company's culture different?

- How can someone find out more about your company's culture?

Keep in mind, talking to management might give you a rosier view than reality. Be cautious with their answers. When checking out a potential employer, make sure to look into several important areas:

Work-life balance: See if the company cares about employees' well-being by looking at their work-life balance policies.

Benefits: Check if the company offers benefits that are competitive and meet your needs.

Hierarchy: Get a feel for the decision-making process and how much control you'd have by understanding the company's hierarchy.

Operations: Understanding what the company does and its goals can show if they match your career goals.

Competitors: Looking into the company's competitors gives you insight into its strengths and weaknesses and the industry's dynamics.Where to find information to research a company before joining

When researching a potential employer, there are several sources of information to consider:

Company Social Media:

Many companies use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook to showcase their culture and values. These pages can give you a glimpse into what working at the company is like and how employees engage with it. However, remember that since the marketing department approves this content, it's unlikely to show any downsides of working there.

?

Company Website:

A company's website is a rich source of information, covering its history, values, goals, and the latest news. Many websites also have a careers section, outlining what working for the company is like.

The words in a job listing can tell you a lot about a company, more than you might first think. If a job ad mentions a "collaborative and open culture," expect a workplace where people interact freely, not one where everyone is isolated. Descriptions like ‘fast-paced, hard-working culture’ usually mean intense workdays with long hours, while a ‘relaxed’ culture suggests a focus on work-life balance.

To get a better sense of a company's reputation and culture, look them up on social media. Pay special attention to what people outside the company say about it, beyond its official posts.

Employee Survey Platforms:

Employee survey platforms such as Glassdoor can provide valuable insights into the company’s work environment, benefits, and culture, as well as anonymous reviews from current and former employees.

Glassdoor, Seek and The Muse all provide a platform to view what it is like to work within the company. It is generally a more realistic view of the business than the one the company portrays as it doesn’t hold any control over what reviews are published. However, it can also be tainted by reviews from scorned employees seeking revenge for a perceived wrong.

Talk to a recruiter

If the company is using a recruitment firm in their hiring process, then it is worth learning as much about the working environment from the recruiter as you can.

Good recruiters want to place the right candidate in the right place. By developing a close relationship with a hiring manager they can gain a realistic view into culture and environment of the company which they are hiring for.

If they don’t feel it is the right environment to meet your needs or goals then they will advise you accordingly.

If you would like to discuss our available roles you can reach out to our recruitment consultants here.

Researching a potential employer is key to finding the right job. Knowing a company’s policies, goals, and culture helps you see if it matches your career goals and values. This blog post gives you the tools to make an informed choice and steer your career in the direction you want.