Client Question: “What can I do to learn if a company is a good fit for me as I am searching for a new job?”
Start off by looking at the website called Glassdoor. It offers the ability for ratings and feedback to be captured from current and past employees. It will give you a sense of what the culture is like, how the CEO is rated and potentially some salary information. Be mindful that there could be some feedback from employees that have had a bad experience. The best thing to do is to look for trends in the feedback from people and ask for clarification during the interview if needed. Does it seem like it may be a good fit?
The next best thing to do is to get inside information about the company and what it is like to work there. Do you know anyone who works there or has worked there recently? Can you tap into any of your current 1st level connections on LinkedIn who might be able to share anything with you? Do any of your 1st level connections know anyone in their network who could help you. Would they be willing to introduce you to someone else or make a recommendation on your behalf? You can connect with them and see if they are willing to share their experience with you. This can give you an opportunity to learn more and make a new connection.
Tap into the network inside and outside of social media. Reach out on Facebook or LinkedIn to let people know that you are looking for a new role. Create a 30 second speech on what you are looking for, type of industry, company culture, geographic location, etc. Tell your dentist, hairdresser, neighbors, etc as well. There is always someone who knows someone who could help you. People want to help you when you are looking for a job, so let them. Create a 30 second speech on what you are looking for, type of industry, company culture, geographic location, etc.
Use what you learn to help you craft questions for a recruiter or during an interview. It may take some time, but you will find a role that works for you. Just remember to pay it forward to the next person who may need your help.