1. Check the company website, but also other opinions on the company
Finding out as much as possible about your potential employer is crucial. Therefore, checking their website thoroughly to see exactly what they do and what they have to offer will give you an initial indication of the suitability of an employer. However, do take some time to search online for opinions on the company from external sites – either from clients, or competitors, or even current or former employees. This would give you a more balanced image of the organisation.
2. Look for a match of values and culture
It is important to work for an organisation with good values, and that has a culture that could be a good fit for your character. Therefore, try to gather information on the values of the organisation, how much it adheres to them, and what the culture is like.
3. Interview them!
When you go for an interview, even though the primary reason is for the employer to find out whether you are the right candidate for the organisation, it is also the perfect time for you to find out more information on them. Therefore, make sure you ask them questions on all those topics you could not find answers for online. Perhaps on career progression opportunities, mentoring systems, culture, and anything else you consider important.
4. Use past experiences
If you have already worked somewhere else, you would have some experiences and some ideas on what you are looking for in a perspective employer. Use your past experiences to assess an employer.
5. Check them out during a crisis
If a company is going through a rough patch, observe how it handles issues – that way if in the future you come across it as a potential employer, you will have a better idea whether it is the right fit for you.
6. Ask people in the industry
People in the industry would know about a particular organisation and its practices. Don’t be afraid to ask around. Just beware of intentional negative comments by competitors.
7. Ask its employees
Social networking has allowed us to be able to connect with many people whom we would otherwise not connect with. Use this weapon wisely, therefore, and try to connect with current or former employees of the company to get their viewpoint on how the company is internally.
8. Ensure they are professional
When first contacting an employer, it is an opportunity to gauge their professionalism. Look out for tell-tale signs such as the length of time they take to get back to you, the way they respond, and their writing style, particularly any grammar or syntax mistakes made. When going for an interview, their behaviour on the day towards you but also others around you in the office can say a lot.
9. Find out about their culture
Either by asking at the interview, or spending some time in the office, or following up their website if they have information there, try to get information on the organisation’s culture.
10. Find out what career development opportunities they offer
Same with culture, do not be afraid to ask and gather information on this potentially determining factor.
11. Be cautious of companies overselling themselves
If a company oversells itself, it may mean that they have something to hide. Make sure you do not only listen to what the company itself says on its great qualities, but you also find out information from other sources.
12. Think long-term
When thinking about joining a company, even if you are thinking at the moment that you will not stay for long, think long-term! That way you are more likely to look at all the small details that do indeed make up a great employer, and ensure that you end up working for one.
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