4 Steps to Figure Out Workplace Culture Before Applying

4 Steps to Figure Out Workplace Culture Before Applying4 Steps to Figure Out Workplace Culture Before ApplyingTo get started, try these strategies for figuring out companys workplace culture before applying1. Make use of social media.Getting to know a company is like getting to know a person. What would you do before a blind date? Probably search on social media to see what you can find. Same applies here, says Majja Dennis, executive vice president of talent and development at Allen Gerritsen. She suggests checking out the company on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and the like to see how it talks about itself. While its certainly a public face, its not going to be wildly different than the private one.The content of posts can provide interesting information, such as company involvement in local literacy efforts or that it now offers employees standing desks. But dont neglect subtle insight. Tone can convey the type of image the employer wishes to project, and pictures can offer clues about everything from staff diversity to office dress code.2. Dig around for information.Continue your online detective work with thoughtful consideration of the companys website. Mission statements, employee profiles, the our culture section, and blog entries can be helpful. Then, do a Google search on its name to find items such as press releases, customer complaints and kudos, and news events. Repeat the search with the word culture after the name.3. Seek firsthand information about the workplace culture.If you know someone who works at the place of interest, ask as many questions as possible. Explore your LinkedIn network for profil connections. (Past employees can be particularly helpful as they may feel freer to respond truthfully.)Several websites specialize in company reviews by current and former employees, and workplace culture is often a popular topic. See what you can find on Glassdoor, Vault, or CareerLeak.4. Reflect on the potential match.Finally, ponder ho w what youve discovered fits with your personality and needs.In order to know what youre looking for, you first have to know what YOU value, Dennis says. If steady hours are your thing, then a comment like Work hard, play hard to describe a culture should be a watch-out. If you are looking for a place that celebrates individuality and unique contributions, a social presence that highlights individual contributors over constant company-focused content sends you a great signal.If you have qualms based on what youve discovered, it might be worth pursuing more information before applying (or shifting efforts elsewhere). But if you catch yourself saying this place sounds like me, chances are youve found a place where you could thriveReaders, what steps do you take to figure out a companys workplace culture before applying or interviewing? Share your tips with us belowCheck Out the Top 100 Companies with Remote Jobs