Company culture is extremely important to getting hired. Whether we like it or not, understanding your company culture could be the difference in employment and unemployment. Managers stress the importance of whether the prospective candidate will be a good fit in their organization. While it takes all types to make a successful organization, generally speaking most people gravitate towards others like themselves and a shared vision. You could be passed up for a position simply because an employer feels you would not be a good match. Teamwork matters, so the following are some tips to help you navigate how to make sure you don't get passed over by not being a team player.
Study your envirnoment
Do you know what your company is about? Have you evaluated what's important to the company that you plan to work for? Depending on what field, most industries have a certain company culture. Knowing whether your fit may make the difference between a 'no thanks', or 'you're hired'. Tech fields, medical, human resources, all have a specific way they operate. When looking for a new job; remembering who you are, versus who 'they' are, will help you decide on the front end if this is the job you want. After you do you may find you need to change some habits in order to fit in better with your companies culture.
Do you know the language
Do you know the lingo of your organization? Are you reading the same information? Did you go to the same schools, are you attending the same seminars and workshops, or do they not interest you. Ask some questions, in order to fit you might have to learn what is important to the persons in authority. If you are not interested or not wanting to learn new skills, one may wonder if you are indeed in the correct place.
If you want to be known for your skills, it may simply be adjusting a few things such as dress, or the things you read. If you seek to navigate a new company culture, take an interest in things that perhaps never occured to you.
Evaluate the sacrifice
Do the company values align with yours? If you are interested in a certain field but it causes you to sacrifice key areas which are important to you, its time to decide. Perhaps you are seeking a position in IT but the company of interest is in a field you have no interest or will cause you to compromise other values. Either you have to sacrifice those things that interest you in order to stay revelant, or decide this really isnt the company for you.
Measure your passion
Your passion level is a key indicator whether you will be a good fit. If you are not passionate the hiring manager will know this; if your interest level is low, you may decide this really isnt the company for you. Passion matters so if you find yourself in conflict with the company culture it may be time to re-evaluate your approach.
Your skills are important but if you cannot use them because your company feels you will may not be team player, it may be time to make some adjustments. Most companies want employess that want to be there so keep that in mind and remember to do your homework; it will save you alot of time in the long run. Happy job hunting.
