No one wants to go through the trouble of undergoing all the steps of a full hiring process only to find out that the company isn't the right fit. Unfortunately, according to a 2016 Hays Canada survey reported by Benefits Canada, nearly 47 percent Canadian professionals stated that they were unhappy with their current job. Further, 86 percent of respondents shared that they belief that their fit with the workplace itself was a key factor in contentment and potential longevity with the company.
With these statistics in mind, it is vital that you learn as much as possible about companies and your potential fit with their corporate culture before committing to permanent employment. It is just as important to understand whether the company is a right fit for you as it is to know if you are a right fit for the company.
Take a few moments to think about some questions and strategies that can help you gain strong insights about the workplace culture for what you imagine is your dream software developer job and whether the fit is right.
In May 2019, Alison Doyle from The Balance wrote that "company culture is the personality of a company." This simple statement is true, as firm culture encompasses factors like happiness and work-life balance, growth potential and productivity. It is important that you ask the hiring manager about all the elements that you know are crucial to your happiness and potential for a long career with the company.
Following are some key questions you may ask yourself and your contact in the company:
Learning the answers to these questions can help you get a better sense of the company culture from someone in-the-know so you can make an honest evaluation and decide if you want to accept the position or not. The HR representative wants to help you make the best decision possible, for your benefit and theirs.
Broaden your research strategy to learn even more about the company, especially in terms of total compensation, hours and benefits.
Here are just a few ways you can learn more about the company from a variety of sources:
Don't discount the value of a good cultural fit that includes contentment and fun. Check for reviews on matters such as how management treats employees, the organization's values, and its outings and team building focus.
After asking these questions and performing this research, do you feel better about your potential position? Do you think you're a good fit for the long-term? Keep asking questions that are meaningful to you before making a commitment both you and your future employer may regret.