How to Research Company Culture Before Applying for a Job
The Importance of Understanding Company Culture
When searching for a new job, understanding a company’s culture is just as crucial as evaluating the role itself.
A company’s culture shapes your day-to-day work experience, influences your sense of belonging, and can significantly impact your job satisfaction and career growth.
But culture isn’t always something companies clearly advertise.
To understand whether a workplace aligns with your values, it’s important to go beyond the job description.
In this guide, you’ll find practical tips for researching a company’s culture before applying, helping you make informed decisions about where you’ll thrive.
1. Start with the Company Website
A company’s website is a valuable starting point for learning about its mission, values, and overall culture.
Here are specific sections to review for insights into its core beliefs and workplace environment.
A. Check the “About Us” and “Mission” Pages
The “About Us” and “Mission” sections often reflect a company’s identity and priorities.
Look for specific values or goals the company promotes, such as collaboration, innovation, or inclusivity.
A company that emphasizes open communication or support for work-life balance likely aims to create a positive environment for its employees.
B. Explore the Careers or Culture Page
Many companies have dedicated “Careers” or “Culture” pages that give an inside look at what it’s like to work there.
This section may highlight employee testimonials, team activities, diversity initiatives, or the company’s approach to professional growth.
Companies that prioritize a strong, supportive culture often provide details about their values and what they do to create a welcoming workplace.
Pro Tip: Pay attention to any specific programs or initiatives mentioned, like professional development opportunities or diversity programs.
This can give you a better sense of how the company treats its employees and the culture it fosters.
2. Research Employee Reviews on Platforms like Glassdoor and Indeed
Employee reviews provide firsthand insights into what it’s like to work at a company. Platforms like Glassdoor, Indeed, and Comparably allow current and former employees to share their experiences, which can be invaluable for understanding a company’s culture.
A. Look for Patterns in Feedback
Read through multiple reviews to identify recurring themes.
Positive comments about management support, work-life balance, or team collaboration can indicate a healthy work culture.
Conversely, frequent complaints about high turnover, poor leadership, or lack of growth opportunities could be red flags.
B. Pay Attention to DEI-Related Feedback
If diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are important to you, specifically search for comments related to inclusivity and fair treatment.
Look for feedback on how the company supports underrepresented groups or encourages diverse perspectives.
Reviews that mention Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) or supportive DEI programs are strong indicators of a company that values inclusivity.
Related Article: How to Identify Truly DEI-Focused Companies: Essential Guide for Job Seekers
3. Leverage LinkedIn for Company and Employee Insights
LinkedIn is another powerful resource for researching company culture.
From employee profiles to company posts, LinkedIn offers a wealth of information on the company’s day-to-day activities and values.
A. Follow the Company’s LinkedIn Page
Visit the company’s LinkedIn page to see the types of content they post.
Companies that regularly share updates on team achievements, diversity initiatives, or community involvement are often more committed to fostering a positive culture.
B. Explore Employee Profiles
Review profiles of current employees to get a sense of their backgrounds, tenure, and experiences.
Look at their posts or endorsements—employees who post positively about their workplace or celebrate work milestones can be an encouraging sign.
Additionally, a high employee retention rate on LinkedIn profiles might indicate a strong, supportive culture.
4. Look for Red Flags During Your Research
While you’re evaluating a company’s culture, keep an eye out for potential warning signs that suggest a misaligned or unhealthy environment. Here are a few red flags to watch for:
A. High Turnover Rate
Frequent turnover can be a sign of deeper issues within a company. High turnover may indicate dissatisfaction, lack of growth opportunities, or poor management practices. While some industries naturally have higher turnover rates, it’s worth investigating if turnover seems unusually high for a particular company.
B. Lack of DEI Commitment
If you value a diverse and inclusive work environment, look for signs of genuine DEI commitment.
Companies that prioritize DEI often highlight their initiatives on their website or LinkedIn.
A lack of mention or visibility around DEI might suggest that it isn’t a priority, which could impact your experience, especially if you’re looking for a welcoming, inclusive workplace.
Related Article: Why Every Job Seeker Should Consider DEI When Looking for Career Opportunities
5. Connect with Current or Former Employees
Reaching out to current or former employees can provide insights that aren’t available through public resources. Many people are open to sharing their experiences, especially if approached respectfully.
A. How to Reach Out on LinkedIn
If you’re interested in learning more about a company, send a polite message to employees who hold or have held similar roles.
You might ask questions like, “How would you describe the work culture at [Company]?” or “What has your experience been with the team and leadership?”
These interactions can offer invaluable insights from someone with firsthand experience.
B. Consider Informational Interviews
If you have a strong interest in a particular company, request a brief informational interview.
Approach these conversations with genuine curiosity, and remember that people are often happy to share their insights.
Informational interviews are also a great way to expand your professional network.
6. Use Social Media to Observe Company Personality and Engagement
Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter can reveal a more personal side of a company.
Many organizations share moments from team events, community service, and employee recognition on social media, offering a glimpse into their culture.
A. Look for Team Events and Community Engagement
Companies that post about team-building events, volunteer activities, or employee appreciation days often prioritize creating a sense of belonging.
Look for photos or stories that highlight the company’s community involvement and internal celebrations.
These posts can indicate a culture that values employees beyond their roles.
B. Observe Employee Recognition and Celebrations
Companies that regularly celebrate employees’ achievements or milestones on social media are likely to prioritize recognition and appreciation.
This kind of public acknowledgment suggests a positive culture that values the contributions of individual employees.
Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision About Company Culture
Understanding a company’s culture before applying can help you avoid mismatched values and find a workplace where you feel supported and engaged.
By researching the company’s website, reading employee reviews, connecting with current staff, and observing social media presence, you can gain a clearer picture of what it’s really like to work there.
Ready to find a workplace that aligns with your values?
Create a free profile on Diversity.com to connect with companies that are dedicated to building inclusive, employee-centered cultures.
