It’s all too simple to become preoccupied with what a potential employer might think of you while you’re seeking work. Can you think critically? Do you possess the necessary experience? Will you contribute significantly to the business dodgeball team?
It’s simple to overlook the fact that the job search is essentially a two-way street in the flurry of self-examination. Finding a company that you don’t like is just as crucial for you as finding a company that you like.
Fortunately, most hiring managers provide you with a number of hints about what it might be like to work for them during the application process (and occasionally even a few red flags).
Here’s what you should be looking out for when applying for a company.
Use LinkedIn To Gain Information About The Company
According to Jack Sobel, a business owner and philanthropist at RMBH Charities: “Examining LinkedIn material is a helpful trick to determine whether or not a firm is actually doing what they say. By using the “Content” tab during a LinkedIn search rather than the usual one, you may find current information about a company.
Using this, you may go through many entries to learn more about the business or its personnel. You can examine how the business is being mentioned online as well as what its present workers are writing about.
You may learn as much as you can from actual individuals who are displaying and showcasing what it’s like to work at that specific organization in real-time. Obviously, if a smaller company doesn’t have a lot of loud employees, this won’t work for them.
However, it’s a really interesting method to see who is truly applauding and honoring their companies and the work they’re doing.”
Study the corporate culture
Sam Underwood, owner of Bingo Card Creator recommends; “Use Google and conduct some research. Look up whatever you can find, including press releases, news items, and articles. You should find much to read about and ponder over if you simply Google the company name.
You may also think about using social media platforms like Facebook groups, Reddit threads, or already-existing forums to crowdsource.
For instance, I’m aware that eBay has a Life at eBay career account on Instagram where they display what goes on in the office behind the scenes. They include the tasks that staff is completing, their current projects, and other information. It’s just a fantastic approach for them to engage their stakeholders.”
Informational interviews: Getting First-Hand Knowledge
Sam continues; “Informational interviews and real conversations with former and present workers are incomparable.
Alternatively, if you are unable to communicate with any workers of the specific firms you are applying to, you may always begin conversing with people who work for organizations that are comparable to the ones you are pursuing.
You can discuss your priorities and the kinds of businesses you’d like to work with. Start gathering opinions, suggestions, or insights about certain business procedures. You may even inquire, “Have you thought about working for this company?”
Pay close attention to the hiring procedure
Caitlyn Parish, founder, and CEO of bridesmaid brand Cicinia states; The entire interview process is, in the end, a brilliant way for you to assess whether or not this is a long-term match. How a firm interacts with you and treats you throughout the interview process might reveal a lot about it.
You can infer things about the business as a whole if the hiring manager and the recruiter seem to consistently make mistakes or aren’t as forthcoming as you would want. All of those apparently little elements are clues and cues as to whether or not this is a group or team you want to be a part of.”
Pick what is important.
She continues; “Reputation encompasses an office’s “other” side. Job advertisements cover the obvious issues, such as compensation and perks, but reputation includes the less obvious issues, including personal interests and grey areas.
Does this employer use internal hiring? If you ask for a promotion, would they label you pushy, or how accepting are they of abusive bosses? How many of the vacation days they provide you can utilize without it becoming a problem?
A “fun” office can sound like a fantastic, laid-back setting, but is it really just a playground for young 20-somethings?
You must answer these questions for yourself since they are all significant. It all comes down to extremely particular and unique parameters. The presence of bananas in the workplace kitchen on a Wednesday can irritate some folks.
It can be considered a pleasant bonus by other individuals. Even a town with a bad reputation at first look could be the right fit for someone. Choosing a reputable firm requires deciding which aspects of its reputation are most important to you.”
Don’t overlook red flags
Sam Willis, founder of Raincatcher claims that; “Despite individual demands, there are a few warning signs that you should never overlook. What does a corporation allow behind closed doors, for instance, if it tolerates sexism in public? Employees suffer in such an environment, and careers stall. Avoid it.
Other significant warning signs include job security, dysfunctional teams, and ineffective leadership.
They are among the main reasons offered by job searchers for avoiding a certain company, according to a study that identifies them as the “three elements that contribute most to a negative reputation as a place to work.”
Some issues, whether they include bad leadership, a hostile environment, frequent turnover, or a poor work/life balance, are typically unfixable. At your own risk, reject them.
Corporate reputation matters a lot now because the economy is better and candidates have more sway than they did a decade ago. It is up to you to specify precisely what it is and where it came from.”
Keep in mind that the application procedure is crucial to both you and the organization. Each phase gives you important details on how current workers interact, work together, and do their duties.
And if you find anything throughout any of these stages that unnerve you, it’s a very solid indication that this firm is not a suitable fit for you. And wouldn’t it be preferable to know that now rather than after you’ve accepted the offer letter?
