The term company culture gets used a lot in recruiting and job searching. It’s the concept that above and beyond the work experience required to take on a job, a candidate needs to be a good fit for the company as a whole.
In theory, it’s an easy concept, but it can be difficult to communicate your company culture if you’re a hiring manger. It can also be difficult for a job seeker to figure out if they’re a good fit for a company’s culture. Here are some of our tips for navigating the company culture question.
For Hiring Managers
If you’re a hiring manager, first and foremost you want to lead by example. You are likely the first person that a candidate meets from the organization and your interaction is what a possible hire will base the company culture on. Aside from broader organizational goals, feel free to tell stories and professional anecdotes about the company itself and your colleagues. This can help the candidate feel more connected to the group and can be a great way to paint a picture of your company culture.
It can also be a good idea to show candidates around the office and have them meet other members of their prospective department during the interview process. If your company does any activities outside of working hours, highlight those as well.
For Job Seekers
If you’re applying for a job, it’s equally as important to make sure you’re a good fit for the company culture.
It’s helpful to know what kind of worker you are – do you like interacting with people a lot throughout the day or would you rather keep to yourself for the most part? Do you like the idea of staff activities outside of work or are you only interested in the working hours? These are important things to think about when you’re going through the job application process.
Don’t be shy to ask how the hiring manager would describe the company culture and the work environment. An experienced hiring manager should be able to relay information to you that can help you evaluate what the work environment is like and if it aligns with your personality.
Whether you’re a hiring manager or a job seeker, it’s important to know about the company’s culture. No one wants to be unhappy in his or her work environment!
