The culture we know is the way of life of people. What is company culture? Moreover, what effect does it have in the workplace? Company culture has to do with a company’s personality. It talks about the company’s environment and workspace. Elements that make up a company’s culture include- the company’s mission, its goals, values, ethics, short and long term expectations and of course, its environment.
Company culture is more abstract rather than concrete. That is to say; it cannot be seen or touched. It is inherent in the behaviors, actions, and manner of approach of people that make up the establishment. Company culture is the value, beliefs, and practices all employees have in common. It is the continuation of the employee’s handbook. Culture is the guide based on which employees make day-to-day decisions even when the manager or the CEO is not around.
Company culture may appear to be vague, incomprehensible, and abstract. However, there are ways it can be described and defined. If you are seeking a job in a company, in this post, we will provide you with keys and guidelines for understanding the culture of a company.
Learn more about company culture interview questions and how you should answer them!
Ways to learn about a company’s culture
It is advised that when you are job- hunting, you look for a job in companies that share the same goals, values, and beliefs as you. That is to say; you look for companies with the culture you can relate with. The following tips will help you get a glimpse of a company’s culture while you are job hunting.
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Research the company website
The company’s ‘About Us’ page in particular often leaves some information as regards their culture. From their mission statements, values, goals, objectives, and employee testimonials, you will be able to decipher the company’s culture.
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Research other social media platforms
Extend your online search beyond the company website. Check through their social media networks starting from Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts. These online platforms provide details on a company’s culture. Some websites and publications also provide annual reports on firms that have the best company culture. You can also read company reviews as written by their employees.
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Use your network
If you have contacts or connections within the company, then you can make use of them. Set up a meeting with them and ask them questions regarding the company culture. If you can’t think of any connection, then go online and check LinkedIn. When you go through the company’s LinkedIn profile, you might come across someone you know. If not, you can check with your school alumni office. You just might be lucky. The point of the search is to talk to the person and get a sense of what it is like to work in the company.
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Ask your questions during the interview session
During interviews, it is not only in place of recruiters to ask questions, but prospective employees can also ask questions on issues they are not clear about as regards the company. You can throw direct questions such as; “can you tell me a little about the company culture?” “What does the day-to-day schedule of an employee look like?” and “how much or how often is teamwork required?”
Learn more about what questions to ask interviewers to impress them!
Importance of understanding company culture
Why do we advise that you as a job seeker learn the culture of the company you are opting for? This is because you spend a larger percentage of your time at work every day and it wouldn’t do you any good if those long duration of time spent there are not worth it.
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Company culture determines if you would love your work or not
Some people go to work every day not because they love it but because they don’t have any option. Probably, if they don’t, their family will go hungry. Knowing a company’s culture will help you know if you would enjoy working in such a company or not.
If a company’s value and needs fit into yours, there is a higher tendency that you will not only enjoy working in such a company, but you will also have fun while at it. Working in such an environment makes for increased productivity and makes you develop an even better relationship with other staff.
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It makes for teamwork
Culture is meant to bring different people together. Company culture brings people from different backgrounds together that share similar values and goals. Sharing the same value makes them develop better relationship amongst them; hence, work together to better promote the company.
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It helps employees understand their job roles and objectives
Understanding company culture makes for clarification of job description. For instance, in some companies, it is the role of the general manager to interview and hire workers, while in some, it is the role of the human resource manager. Some companies might as well have a team of recruiters that are not necessarily managers. This all depends on the culture of the company. You should know the culture of your recruiting company, so you know the roles incorporated into your office or position.
Job Interview Topics – Common Job Interview Questions & Answers
Below you can find a list of common job interview topics. Each link will direct you to an article regarding the specific topics that discuss commonly asked interview questions. Furthermore, each article discusses why the interviewer asks these questions and how you answer them!
- Accomplishments
- Adaptability
- Admission
- Behavioral
- Career Change
- Career Goals
- Communication
- Competency
- Conflict Resolution
- Creative Thinking
- Cultural Fit
- Customer Service
- Direct
- Experience
- Government
- Graduate
- Growth Potential
- Honesty & Integrity
- Illegal
- Inappropriate
- Job Satisfaction
- Leadership
- Management
- Entry-Level & No experience
- Performance-Based
- Personal
- Prioritization & Time Management
- Problem-solving
- Salary
- Situational & Scenario-based
- Stress Management
- Teamwork
- Telephone Interview
- Tough
- Uncomfortable
- Work Ethic