As a job-hunter, you’re focused on finding a position that’s a good fit for your skills and interests. But how do you know if the company is a good fit – that the organization aligns with your own needs and ideas? Hiring experts advise looking for these “green flags.”
What was it about the job description that attracted you? Did it outline an extensive list of necessary skills or explain how you could make a difference within the organization?
“Written job descriptions and job ads in healthy organizations focus on the meaty challenge the newcomer will tackle, rather than long lists of essential requirements,” says Forbes.
Before your interview, read online reviews written by the company’s current and past employees. If possible, speak with people you know who work/worked there. Look for signs that the company trains and promotes from within. Do people tend to stay with the company for years? Those are positive signs that this organization values and respects its workers.
Check the company’s social media accounts, too. Do they regularly generate engaging content? Are follower responses and online reviews positive? Are staff achievements celebrated? A positive social media presence can be a good indication that the company is responsive to its clients and customers and enthusiastic about its staff and mission.
“The interview process tends to be a great predictor of how well you would be treated as an employee,” says Glassdoor. “A company that goes out of their way to delight you during the interview process will likely bring that same amount of dedication towards keeping their current employees happy.”
If they gave you enough information to fully prepare for your interview, that’s a green flag. Their questions should not be too cookie-cutter but relate directly to you and your experience. They should do their best to set you at ease during the interview and be open to any questions you may have about the position or business.
As you walk through the office, pay attention to what’s going on around you. Is the office environment comfortable or tense? Are workspaces cold and sterile, or decorated with personal items?
“Don’t forget to check the expressions of the employees who work there,” recommends Glassdoor. “Observe whether or not people look happy. If you see smiles, energized conversations and people pausing to think, these signs may all point to a company with employees who actually want to be there, which in turn, makes for a better work environment.”
Over the past few years, many companies have improved benefits to attract high-quality candidates.
“The wider diversity of benefits, programs or accommodations that a company provides, the better sense you get of how committed they are to inclusivity / a quality working environment,” says Ten Forward.
They recommend looking for diverse people in leadership roles and benefits like an education budget for employees and mentorship/coaching programs as signs the company is willing to invest in its employees.
Ultimately, only you can determine if a company seems like a good fit. But recognizing some “green flags” could boost your confidence during your interview and provide some reassurance that this is a company you really want to work for!
If you still need help finding the right fit, job search with TPD!