When you’re considering a job offer or opening, it’s critical to focus not only on the duties and salary but also on the company culture. A bad company culture can increase your odds of job dissatisfaction, and it may even impact your mental health.
Fortunately, there are some signs that can help you assess a company’s culture before you accept a position. Here are some ways to spot a bad company culture.
Check Out the Company’s Social Media Pages
A company’s social media profiles reveal a lot about the organization’s culture. See how they speak about their business. Assess how company representatives respond to comments made by customers.
By looking at how the company positions itself on social media, it can help you learn more about the general attitude and the organization’s priorities. Often, that gives you plenty of clues about its culture, making it easier to determine if it’s positive.
Look for Employee Reviews
Before accepting a job, look at what current and former employees have to say about the company. Sites like Glassdoor allow employees – and even candidates who weren’t hired – to talk about their experience.
Pay attention to any recurring themes in the reviews, as issues that are commented on frequently have a higher likelihood of reflecting reality. Additionally, make sure not to focus solely on the negative, as it’s best to get a balanced perspective on what the company may offer.
Ask About Company Values and Mission
During the interview process, ask the hiring manager about the company’s values and mission. An organization with a strong, supportive culture will likely have a clear and compelling mission statement and well-defined values. If the hiring manager struggles to describe the company’s values or mission or how the role you’re considering assists with those areas, it may be a red flag that the company lacks direction, which is potentially indicative of a poor culture.
Consider the Interview
The interview itself can give you a sense of the company’s culture. How the interviewer treats you during the meeting often speaks volumes. Similarly, how they talk about the company, their team, and the broader workforce can provide more clues.
Usually, a dismissive or disrespectful hiring manager is a red flag, as it could indicate a toxic culture. However, if the hiring manager seems genuinely enthusiastic throughout and is polite and professional, that’s a positive sign.
Look at Employee Benefits and Perks
A company that values its employees will offer competitive benefits and perks. Take a close look at the benefits package to see if it handles common needs, supports work-life balance, and adapts to unique situations that employees may encounter.
Ask About the Turnover Rate
High employee turnover is a red flag that’s often present with an organization that has a poor culture. During the interview process, ask about the company’s turnover rate and why employees tend to leave. If the hiring manager either shies away from answering or states that turnover is high, that should give you pause.
Looking for an amazing job in Connecticut with a great company culture?
Ultimately, learning how to spot a bad company culture is critical when you’re searching for a job, ensuring you don’t get stuck in an environment that can’t meet your needs. If you’d like to learn more, contact the team at A.R. Mazzotta. Also, if you’re looking for new opportunities with companies that have exceptional cultures, visit our website to check out our open positions today.