Vetting your next company: how to ensure it’s the right fit

At any level in your career, the decision to move from one role to another, one company to another, is a big one. In some cases, it’s very clear-cut: you have an excellent opportunity in front of you, and you’ll take it no matter what. In other cases, especially if you have several offers, or are on the fence about making the move, it’s a big decision that requires careful consideration.

Aside from the general aspects of salary, benefits and title, one other factor can really tip the scales in one way or another: the company itself. Do the culture, values, working environment and overall way of doing things match with yours? Use these tips to vet your next company - and rest assured that your decision to move has been considered from all angles.

Use the company’s website and social media

A lot has been written about companies who use social media in their hiring process - the same works the other way around. In this digital age, a lot can be found online. Read through a company’s website, both as research before the interview, but also to see its values, mission statement, team structure and projects that they’ve worked on in the past. The About Us/careers section can tell you a lot about a company including what their top priorities are and how much they value employees.

Track down the company on social media for even more information. If you’re looking for a dynamic environment and laid back culture, a company’s Facebook profile with only formal posts might be an indication that’s it’s not quite what you’re looking for and the other way around.

Seek out other information online

Conduct online searches to see what you can find out from other external sources. Search a news aggregator like Google News to see what the company has been making headlines for lately. If it’s a start-up, perhaps they recently closed a round of funding, or stand out to investors. If they are an established MNC, see what the overall perception of the company is through the news. Are they creating good buzz within their industry, and is it something you want to be a part of?

Consult your network

Within your professional network, do you know any former employees or anyone who currently works there? Now is the time to use your connections to find out more. LinkedIn can be an excellent resource for finding current and former employees.

Use the hiring process

The hiring process is as much about you getting to know the company as the company getting to know you. If any big red flags come up during the hiring process about the company, its policies or how they do business, pay attention to them, and keep them in mind when making a final decision. Ask questions about the team, and meet as many of your potential colleagues and team members as possible during the process.  

Keep the product or service in mind

No matter how impressive the role itself, it’s important to factor in exactly what the product or service your future company is providing. From viability on the market to whether or not the company’s offering mixes with your personal values, take a moment to evaluate this aspect.

Remember that making any job move is just as much about the company that you’re moving to, as it is about the role, the team you’ll be managing and the remuneration package. Once you’ve made the decision, read more here about making those first weeks on the job count.