Changing a company is often a complicated task and a challenging period in life. Have you ever wondered if you are choosing the right company? Whether you left your current employer for the right reasons? As the saying goes, we know what we lose but not what we gain. So here are our 10 checkpoints or tips for choosing what company to work for.
- The market:
To choose the right company to work for, it is imperative to know the state of the market in which the company is positioned. New technologies have shaken up many markets and the prospects for the years to come are very disparate. We, therefore, invite you to carefully analyze the sector which you are entering. Do some research to find out if there is demand and money circling in that sphere.
- Your affinity with the product or service sold by the company:
Without falling into the caricature of working in the sector that has made you dream since you were a child, it is important to make sure you work for an organization compatible with your values. Your dream job can turn into hell if you keep questioning what you’re being asked to do. Especially if those around you keep making you feel guilty after the slightest mistake. You need to feel comfortable with the product and be able to put yourself in the shoes of a possible promoter without feeling shame or stress.
- The atmosphere on the premises of your new company:
An imperceptible element to which we rarely pay attention, the atmosphere you feel while walking around the premises during your recruitment process must be analyzed carefully.
Studying the red signals that you pick up when going to the interview room or when talking in the hallways with the general manager will give you a good indication of the state of mind with which employees exist daily. Do you feel welcomed, listened to, and taken into consideration?
- Company organization:
Your various recruitment interviews should help you understand how the company works. It should not be just you who gets scanned and analyzed. Understanding the organization will allow you to see if this mode of operation seems fluid to you and in correlation with your expectations. It will also allow you to understand the importance that the company attaches to your work and thus anticipate the treatment you will get.
- The growth of the company you are about to join:
The company is a bit like a bicycle: if it does not move forward, it falls. You must therefore carefully study the company you are about to join so that you do not choose the wrong place.
The internet offers great help in this regard. You will probably be able to find the state of the company’s finances on its last balance sheet somewhere. You may even find comparative studies highlighting changes in the market shares of different companies in the sector. A great way to know where you stand. You can also talk to current and former employees and ask them how the company is doing. Find their contacts on Leadar and see what they have to say.
- The image of the company:
Easily accessible on search engines, you will find many ratings (employees, customers, etc.) allowing you to form your opinion. The digital age allows everyone to reward the company with a note.
But be careful, some managers ask employees to rate the company well to make negative opinions disappear.
We, therefore, invite you to dig deep to unravel the truth about the organization you want to join. By reading reviews on professional social networks, you will already find interesting information.
- Correlation between displayed values and reality:
Usually, all companies announce their values on their website or social networks. But saying ‘customer-centric’ or ‘supporting diversity is one thing, applying and practicing those values is completely another. It’s always easy to make a nice announcement but it’s not always easy to put it into practice.
Take the time to look at the business with a keen eye. You can also solicit your hiring managers on the subject. Ask them questions during the job interview that will allow you to investigate the subject. Ask them, for example, how this or that value is implemented in the company.
- The opportunity to develop your skills:
Every experience should bring you something. As part of your career, you will evolve and each professional experience is only the step to the next level in your development. So, try to analyze what this new company can bring you in terms of knowledge and skills. Is it mastering a new industry, new software, or managing a bigger team?
- Development prospects with your future employer:
It is undeniable that the position you think about must help you advance your career. It is not necessary to turn only to large companies to evolve. A start-up can also make you grow with it. The important thing is to develop in your work. Analyze what this company can bring you at this level and in the future.
- The relationship with your future employer:
We usually say that it is better to have a less-paid job with great people than a high salary with terrible people. Think about it: you will spend between 7 and 12 hours a day with your colleagues. They are the ones who will make your job a little better or a little worse. So be sure to make the right choice.
- Define your priorities:
In the end, you should not miss defining your priorities. For instance:
– Geographic location
– Ability to work remotely
– Diversity and richness of missions
– Opportunity to work in a team or individually
– Balance in professional life and personal life
– Presence of a workplace crèche, etc.
Avoid considering salary as the only criterion: the temptation is great to join a company only because it offers more money than another. However, well-being, fulfillment at work and motivation are also to be taken into account.
