We know that culture is the core values and actions shared by those in the same group. Which in-a-sense a company culture would then be the core values and actions shared by those at the same company.
Why should we care about company culture? Well the culture of a company I believe will either make or break the enjoyment of your position. If you love your position but dislike the company you are likely to leave. If you love your company and dislike your position there may be opportunities to apply for other positions with the same organization.
Many people face the dilemma of obtaining the perfect job but decided to leave the company because of culture and internal politics.
Company culture is important because it will set the tone for the way all employees interacts with each other daily. If you are someone who loves peace and silent but your company promotes music and interaction between the employees in open space type environment this would be an unfitting culture for you.
I remember my business professors stressing the fact that companies with cultures that are aligned with the goals of the organizations tend to outperform their competitors. Sometimes by more than 150%!
We know that company cultures will change and evolve just like technology over time. That is why it so important to hire employees who are adaptable and flexible because businesses will change as they hiring new employees, grow from to start-up to more established status, federal laws and regulations and other factors.
Applicants have to do their job to determine if they will fit the culture of an organization just as we expect the interviewer to do the same thing. Applicants should keep this in mind while networking and interviewing.Being ready for informal comments and being observant will help an applicant avoid the wrong situation. Listening for comments and behavior to determine support for growth opportunities, turnover rates, leadership styles, dress code, hours expected to work per day, work/life balance and communication within the workplace is very important. Remembering as the applicant goes through the interview process they are also screening the company for a great fit.
From my time working in a Career Services environment, I have found paying attention to these factors can help you decide whether a company's culture is going to work for you.
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