Checking if a company’s values align with your personal values is an important step in determining if you’re a cultural fit and will thrive in their workplace.
To help you along the way, here is our step-by-step guide to making sure your values don’t take a backseat when you’re in the process of applying for roles:
What do you value?
The first and most important step is to identify your values and what you would like to see from the company you’re working for. This can be from a focus on inclusivity and diversity or dedication to prioritising mental health.
Not sure what values you would like to see? Consider some of the following and see if any of them speak to you:
- Diversity: A workplace that prioritises supporting a diverse workforce
- Fun: Somewhere that makes sure it’s not all work and no play
- Trust: A open and honest relationship between management and teams
- Innovation: Encouraging creative thinking and embracing new technologies
- Sustainability: Demonstrating environmental responsibility and contributing to a sustainable future
- Social Responsibility: Engaging in activities that positively impact society and communities
Time to investigate
Between the company’s website and their LinkedIn page, it should be easy to gain a sense of what they value most.
What does a company say about themselves on their website?
Start by researching the company’s mission statement, vision, and core values on their website. These will show you what kind of culture you can expect from the workplace. Does the company convey what it’s like to work there? Or is it hard to gauge?
Get scrolling!
Once you have the basics, look on the company’s social media pages and see if they post about their internal culture. If they do, does it align with what they claim their values are on their website?
Have a scroll through the company’s LinkedIn page to see what they post about. If they have internal culture content on their social media pages, what does it convey? Do they attend events that align with their values? Do they often post about their team’s wins? These will give you an idea of what the company truly values.
It’s who you know
If it’s a well-established company, chances are you know someone who might have worked there. Ask around or reach out to connections on LinkedIn to get their opinion on their time at the company.
Ask about their experiences and whether they feel the company’s values are genuinely reflected in its actions. If it’s a smaller company, don’t be afraid to connect with current employees and ask them a few questions about what it’s like to work there.
Actions speak louder than words
Look beyond the company’s stated values and evaluate their actions and behaviours. Consider their track record in areas that matter to you, such as social responsibility, environmental impact, employee well-being, diversity and inclusion, and ethical practices.
Do they take action to prove these values? For example, if one of their values is inclusivity, what do they do to ingrain this in the company culture? Do they run workshops or take part in events that support inclusivity?
Dig a little deeper
So, you’ve researched the company, you’ve done a little social media stalking and you’ve identified the core values you’re looking for. Now it’s time to collate a few questions to see if the company really believe in their values.
Here are a few questions that go beyond ‘What are your company values?’ so you can get a real understanding of what the company is all about:
- Can you tell me about how the company’s values are incorporated into the workday?
- Can you provide examples of how the company supports employee development and growth?
- What steps does the company take to ensure a healthy work-life balance for employees?
- How does the company support the local community?
- What leadership style can I expect from the management?
- Is mental health support a priority?
Round-up time
By following these steps, you can gather a comprehensive understanding of a company’s values and determine if they align with your own. It’s important to look beyond the financial benefits of a role and we always recommend researching the values of a workplace before accepting a job offer. Remember to always trust your instinct! If something feels off or inconsistent during your research or interactions with the company, it may be a red flag that your values don’t align.
The Jomo Effect
Are you in need of the Jomo Effect? Whether you’re looking for expert support and advice in preparing for your interview or ready to get started with applying for new opportunities, get in touch today!
📱 02922 527 873
