Company Culture: Make or Break? (A Blog Post For GradSmart)

How important is company culture in a job?

There’s a big misunderstanding about the job application process. Many think it’s just an opportunity for employers to see if they feel you’re the right fit for their company. However, it is just as important during this time to find out if the company is the right fit for you. Don’t just settle for any job, do your research, ask questions, and pick the one that excites you and where you think you’d be most comfortable to work! A lot of this comes down to company culture, which is essentially the attitudes and behaviours of a business. Understanding the company culture is very important when deciding if a company is right for you – here’s what to look out for.

What are the surroundings like?

Think about where you want to work. Do you like the idea of working in an office? Or does an outdoor job suit you best? Is it a perk for you to be a part of a big corporation with an HQ that offers free lunch and company benefits? Or are you the kind of person that prefers to work in a more understated building? Usually, an interview or assessment day would help you decide this, but if you are having a video interview due to COVID-19, be sure to check reviews of the company, google the building, and ask the employer.

High pressure versus low pressure:

Some people thrive off being in a fast-moving environment, but others prefer being more laid back. A lot of things can contribute to the pressure of an environment. For example, perhaps it matters to you what you wear to work? Or maybe you don’t want to have to speak formally amongst your colleagues. Is time management a big part of the role, and if so, is that one of your strengths? While everyone is looking to secure a job at the moment, it’s not the best idea to accept a role you know isn’t a good fit. Find out what works best for you, and make sure the company shares these attributes.

Responsibility

It is important you have an idea of the kinds of responsibilities you might be given. Do you want people to mentor you? Or would you prefer a team that requires you to be independent. Do you want to take on pressure-filled and important tasks, or do you prefer making smaller contributions to a company? Having a clear, and honest, understanding of how much responsibility you want to take on when you first start is essential. Some company cultures are all about all employees having serious responsibility from day one to contribute to the business. Maybe this is exactly what you’re looking for. But equally, be honest and ask yourself how prepared you may actually be for this. Make sure you know what you’re getting into before you start a job.

Hierarchical versus flat company structure

Flat organisations have few levels between each employee, with management/ leadership very much working in the trenches with other employees. These structures mean less bureaucracy, but often more individual responsibility. Hierarchical organisations have many more layers that exist in the company, with a sea of managers, senior managers, and directors, separating junior employees from leadership. Some people prefer this structure, because there is more of an opportunity to move up/be promoted in the company. It is good to research what structure the company follows, because each has different pros and cons. Some people like to be in a more intimate company structure, while others prefer to be a cog in the bigger project.

Make sure you’re also looking into the company culture when job hunting. It doesn’t take long to jot down some questions to ask the employer in your interview, or google company reviews or pictures. Ultimately, you want to be working somewhere that suits your personality and makes you feel comfortable. Get the most out of your job wherever you work, and it’ll be a breeze.