Simple Steps to the Right Company
by Faridah Hameed
You have a diploma or degree in your hand. You think you have a pretty good idea of what job you want.
But have you given any thought to what company you want to work for? I’m not talking about whether you want to work for the biggest company in Malaysia, or the one that pays the highest starting salary, or the one where all your friends are working.
What I’m talking about is whether you know which company has a healthy and positive environment and one that you want to be part of?
Anyone who’s ever worked for a while will tell you that the figure stated in your paycheck isn’t the end all and be all of job satisfaction. There are many companies who pay their employees very well, but are a nightmare to work in. There are still others that may pay you much less, but are a pleasure to work in.
Before you accept a job – and especially when it’s your first job – there is one important criteria that must be always a part of your working life. Work in a place where you will and are, treated fairly and with respect.
So, you may ask, how can you find out about the working environment of a company
before you accept a job offer there? Here are some simple steps that will guide you whether you are a fresh graduate or moving up the career ladder:
Do Your Homework
Where can you find out more about the company without really asking anyone who works there? Try the company brochure (printed/on-line), website, newspaper articles and industry journals are a good place to start. Take some time to do this because it can yield valuable information such as:
# The company’s corporate image
# Its financial situation
# Employee turnover
# Industry standing
# Employee benefits/packages
# Expansion plans
Six Degrees of Separation
This is a famous phrase that means that we are just six people removed from the person we want to find out more about, or that we want to meet. See if you know someone who knows someone, who knows someone who works for the company. Ask around. When you do find someone who works there, or used to work there, make sure it was recent enough – not someone who worked there 15 years ago.
Also, if the person has only negative, or only positive, things to say about the company, be wary. No company is perfect, so take that information with a pinch of salt. Try to find someone who can tell you a little about both the positive points and the drawbacks of the company so you have a more balanced viewpoint. Finding out the inside information about a company can be very helpful, both during the interview and when you are deciding whether to accept a job offer.
Speak to the Receptionist
These people can be a gold mine of information. Show up early for your interview. Pay close attention to how they greet you, whether you’re offered something to drink while you wait, whether people smile and say hello when they walk by. All of these can give you a good ‘feel’ about the company
Take the Tour
Taking a tour of a company before you are an employee can be tricky. It will be easier to do in some companies than others. Be creative about doing this. If all else fails and you get called for an interview, take a tour after the interview. Sometimes even going to the company cafeteria can yield a lot of interesting information such as:
# Do the employees look happy?
# Are the offices clean and well-lit, or are they dim and sloppy?
# Is there some diversity – both in race, as well as in people that look different from you?
# Do the employees look like they really want to be there?
# How do employees dress?
# How do people greet/treat you/each other?
Just being observant can tell you a lot about the company. Keep your eyes and ears open.
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