How to Evaluate a Potential Employer’s Brand

It is critical to remember that during your interview, not only is the employer evaluating you, but in turn you are assessing if the company is a good personal fit. Get to know their employment brand just as you would when making any other major investment; after all, this is your career on the line. Investigate every opportunity thoroughly in terms of management style and corporate culture, leaving no stone unturned.

Perform pre-interview research.

Sound research in advance of your interview not only helps you evaluate an employer, it also demonstrates your commitment and interest. Your research sources should include:

• The company website and social media persona.
• Relevant news articles, press releases and white papers.
• Marketing collateral.
• Annual reports and SEC filings.
• Dunn & Bradstreet and other research organizations.
• Members of professional and industry associations.
• Current and former employees.

Check out the financial health of an organization.

• Look specifically into its recent past. This will be easier if it is a publicly traded company.
• Pay attention to its industry outlook over the years ahead.

Listen to your interviewer.

You should be doing most of the talking during your interview; however, make an active effort to listen to your interviewer. Look for clues about corporate culture and management style.

• Be wary of interviewers who talk too much. This may be a sign they are trying too hard to sell their company. They should be asking insightful questions to better understand you and your experience, personality and work style. This is a positive sign indicating that an employer values employee engagement and job satisfaction.
• Learn how your performance will be measured. Your interviewer should be able to explain the expectations of the role in quantifiable terms.
• Inject your own questions into the conversation. Assess the interviewer’s style. This often is indicative of the organization as a whole.

Determine growth opportunities.

Ask questions related to training and professional development opportunities. An investment in the future of its people illustrates a company’s commitment to their ongoing success. You want an employer who empowers you to forge your desired career path.

• Ask employees about the amount of support and autonomy they have in decision making. Find out how long the average employment tenure is at the company. The longer the duration, the better as it indicates the organization is able to match employees’ aspirations.

A specialized recruitment firm is an unparalleled source of market knowledge on possible future employers. Consider this option as you touch all the bases in evaluating your career growth options. To learn more, read our related posts or contact BrainWorks today.