Finding a job that has values, beliefs, and practices, in line with your own can seem difficult, but determining cultural fit is critical to accepting the right position.  If you do not determine the cultural fit before accepting your next position, you may find you are miserable and will start searching for another job before the new one begins.

It has been shown that a company’s culture directly affects productivity, customer service, and team work.  In short, it directly relates to the happiness and success of each individual within that company.  If your career goals include advancement, leadership opportunities, and freedom of expression – imagine accepting a position at a company that discourages expression, does not promote within, and does not encourage leadership.  You will be miserable!

No matter what role you play in the medical industry, you must careful determine the cultural fit of a company before accepting a position.  Here are a few tips to help you:

  • Make a list of what you want in workplace characteristics. Rank them in order of importance.  This list will give you a sort of checklist when viewing potential employers.  Do your research and give them a grade on each item on your list.  On any item they fail, you must determine if you can live with that fail.  Include items that are important to you, such as schedule, innovation, career path, communication, and professional development, just to name a few.
  • Look at all social media platforms the company engages in. This will give you a good look at the company’s culture.  You can even try to make a connection with someone that works there to get a feel for the type of environment.
  • Most employers are now including a statement on the job description about the company culture. You might also wish to view the company’s mission and vision statements, their website, and other articles or news about them.  Often, these will review some helpful information about the culture.

If, after your research, you feel the culture may be a fit for you, do not be afraid to ask questions during your interview.  Ask how their decisions are made, what are their priorities over the next several years, and what their employees like most about working there.  All will help you determine if this position is a culture fit for you!

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