By Barbara Mitchell
Q: I am struggling with how to “read” an organization before I decide if I should apply there. Are there ways to understand the culture to see whether I would fit in?
A: Cultural fit is a critical factor in your success or failure at whichever organization you choose for your next career move. It’s smart to investigate organizational culture before you go through what might be a long application process.
Think of this as if you’re a detective trying to solve a crime: You need to gather as much information about the organization as you can. You want to know about the work environment, of course, but also about the leadership and the organization’s growth plans.
To do this research, you need to be clear about the kind of culture you’re looking for and where you can do your best work. Before you start gathering information, make a list of what’s important to you and use that list as your guide.
Be clear about the kind of culture you’re looking for and where you can do your best work. Before you start gathering information, make a list of what’s important to you and use that list as your guide.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
Barbara Mitchell is a human resources and management consultant and author of The Big Book of HR, The Essential Workplace Conflict Handbook and the latest book—The Conflict Resolution Phrase Book. Do you have a question you’d like her to answer in “Ask the Expert”? Send it to [email protected].