What’s ‘Company Culture’ Got to Do With it?

If someone were to ask me what’s so great about Hobson Associates, I’d probably say:

1. I had a chance to get and earn an equity position.
2. The office technology and environment are world class.
3.  My boss Lisa is super supportive.
4. The training is second to none, etc., etc., etc.

Wanna know the REAL reason?! ...

 Yeah, that was me and my recruiting mentee, who lost a bet, jumping in a freezing lake in October!

A company’s culture is all based on perception of the individual. Everyone likes something different. But one thing I believe we all have in common, is that the quality of our working environment is important.  More and more these past few years, candidates ask me “What’s the culture like at your client’s organization?”  If you think about it- we spend more time working than we do with our families, so culture should be a variable you look at closely when interviewing somewhere. Heck, here at Hobson, we have some of the most tenure in the recruiting biz, so we must be doing something right!  Yet even so, we recently decided to create a “fun committee” to up the ante on our culture.

Below are a few things you can do, when interviewing, to get a better feel for the company’s culture:

1)  Make sure you interview with multiple people…hopefully from different departments.  If the interview process is only with one or two people, then ask to talk to others!  Get different perspectives!

2)  Be aware!  When you are at the company’s headquarters, look around.  Be astute as to the vibe, how people are interacting, etc. Is the receptionist friendly? Do employees greet each other? Do you see people working together, or are people mostly working independently?

3) Check out the company’s website and social media presence. You can get a good general feel of what it would be like to work there. Is the vibe very corporate or does it seem to be a laid back place where comradery and teamwork are encouraged?  

4) Straight up ask. Ask your interviewer very specific questions. A few examples:

•  What’s the best part(s) about working here that a new person wouldn’t know yet?
•  What are the most common complaints about the culture you hear?
•  Can you describe the work and outside-of-work environment?
•  What is the onboarding like, and how are new employees treated?

Company culture is one variable in your decision to work for or stay at a company.  Not the only one, but an important one.  You can certainly find out some of this during the interview process. 

I would (AND DID) jump in a lake for my bosses and colleagues… WOULD YOU?