How to discover
a company's corporate culture

A fit with the company culture is one of the most important decision factors for accepting a new job. It is seen as much more important than salary and training opportunities by most professionals, according to the Walters People Salary Survey. Did you come across an interesting job offer that fits you like a glove? Brilliant! But what do you know about the company’s corporate culture? We are happy to share three steps in assessing a company culture with you.

1. Do some research

Before applying to a job, you’d better do some research on the company you consider applying to. Take a good look at their website and check how you feel about the company’s mission statement. Does it represent your own values?

Explore the organisation’s social media channels as well. Do they have a Facebook or LinkedIn account and are their posts appealing to you? Check if the company’s employees are featured in posts. On Instagram you’re likely to discover some information you won’t find on the website and other channels.

Of course, don’t forget your own network. Maybe you know someone who works - or used to work - for the company, which you can easily find out through Linkedin. Don’t hesitate to contact them and ask how them they experience working there. Maybe they can even recommend you for the job, which would give you an unexpected foot in the door.

2. Pay attention during your job interview

During a job interview, you can find out so many things about your prospective employer’s corporate culture. Start paying attention from the moment you enter the building. How are you being welcomed? What kind of people do you see? The way people are dressed and how they speak to each other can also tell you a lot.

You can continue to find out about the company culture during the actual interview. Try to figure out if there’s a strong hierarchy and ask if colleagues also meet outside of the office. What kind of activities do they do together?

3. Ask for a dry run

Are you still excited about the job after the interview? Can you imagine yourself as a future team member or do you still have some doubts? Maybe you should ask for a dry run, to spend some time in the office and get a better feel of what you would sign up for. Or you could meet a few other people you would be working with and have a chat with them. Don't be afraid to ask for these things, as for your future employer it's a sign that you are truly motivated to become a succesful team member for the longterm.

Are you looking for your next challenge?

Still looking for that amazing new job? Take a look at Walters People's latest job offers! For more information, you can always reach out to us at netherlands@walterspeople.nl or tel. 020 7969 040.