The two sides of the
issue: are you the right fit for the organization and is the organization the
right fit for you? Are we so focused on “getting” the job that we overlook the
day-to-day
reality
of the organization, better known as “the culture”?
Some of us prepare for our career path with years of study and training only to decide to apply with a specific employer in a few minutes. This hasty decision could lead to years of unhappiness and frustration. Some potential byproducts: stress, financial problems, strained relationships, physical, emotional and spiritual problems.
So, today I’d like to take you through a brief core process to help you decide BEFORE you apply and accept a position with a specific employer if there is a mutually rewarding “fit.”
Career R&D
What are the employer’s goals and objectives? Why do they exist?
What is the organizational culture?
What are your goals and objectives and are they in sync with those of the organization?
What is their current human capital status in the market?
Are they growing, stable or laying off employees?
What is their competitiveness in the market?
Are they leading, following or falling behind?
What are their resources: annual sales or budget, number of employees and type of facilities equipment? Are they financially sound?
If applicable, what is their stock price and how has the stock performed in the past three years?
Who runs the company or organization: executive team, board of directors?
Research your hiring manager: background, education and training.
How do they treat their employees? What is the management style, salary levels, work environment, benefits, professional growth and social activities?
Does nepotism pervade?
What professional associations do they support?
How do they care for the local, national and global community?
Volunteer Programs, donations, community support, sponsorships, foundation giving?
“Google” them for: awards, law suits, growth, failures, new management, new locations, stock performance, and community giving. What do the media say about them?
Network with their present and past employees and do an “informational interview” with them, albeit formal or casual.
Read their “house” publications, online and print.
Your Personal Part of the Process
Assessments: The MBTI (Myers Briggs) and the SII, (Strong Interest Inventory) can help you decide if your personality and interests fit the work environment. These assessments must be taken through a career counseling professional or education institution. They are not exact, but can be most beneficial in the process.
How does your spouse or family feel about the move or new job? Discuss it with them before you make a permanent commitment.
Consider getting a “third party” opinion regarding your decision from a professional career counselor, therapist, pastor/priest or career mentor.
If possible, visit the employer’s offices and or locations. Do they offer tours?
Take a “Mini-Vacation” to the town/city where you would be working and go where the locals go. Local residents are a GREAT resource for employer information and background. The internet can provide comprehensive information and data about many communities, but nothing will ever replace “being there.” If you don’t like the community that the job is based in, will you really be happy to go to work?
Prepare your career goals and objectives, before you apply for any new position. Is your job/field/career growing or going?
Online resources to help you make your decision:
Hoovers
Wall Street Journal
Business Week
Idealist: The World of Nonprofits
Indeed: Job Portal
In the end, it’s all about the “fit,” so be blatantly honest with yourself before taking a new position with an employer. If the “fit” is not there, keep looking.
See you next month!
Paul Carpino, M.A. is a professional career counselor at UNLV and can be reached at,
paulc1101@hotmail.com
