Identifying Your Values
As you are exploring different opportunities with a company/organization, it’s important to reflect on what’s most important to you from your next employer. We all have different values in what we want in our workplaces, here are some example reflection questions that can help you with navigating this process:
- What values do I want my employer to hold?
- How important is a work environment where I can be my authentic self?
- How does this company demonstrate its values?
- How does the staff treat me during the interview? Do they question my professional ability?
- What impression do I get from the employees whom I’m interacting with during the hiring process?
- What impression do I get from the company’s leadership?
- Does the company have a history of retaining employees like me?
- How does the staff treat each other during the interview?
- What is the employee retention rate?
Gauging a Company’s Values
A company can demonstrate a welcoming environment in many ways that are important to watch for when you begin looking for an internship or job. You may wish to review:
- Company marketing (e.g., social media presence and website)
- Options for Employee Affinity Groups
- Mission statement, vision and plans
- Staff and leadership
- Whether there is pay equity across all entry-level positions, timing of salary increases and bonuses
- Efforts related to ensuring the workplace fosters employees having space to fully express themselves at work
- Comprehensive insurance plans that covers health-related concerns for both the employee and their partner and/or dependents
How to Find a Company’s Non-Discrimination Policies
Equal Employment Opportunity law prohibits companies from discriminating against employees or potential employees based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin. Non-discrimination policies can usually be found in the “About,” “Careers” or “Diversity” sections of the company website.
Know Your Rights
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws prohibits specific types of discrimination in certain workplaces.
Questions to Ask in an Interview or Career Conversation
Interviews and career conversations (also known as informational interviews) serve as an opportunity for you to ask about what a company/organization values and what it is like to work there. The following questions can provide you with some insight into what the company does to foster a sense of belonging:
- What are core values in this organization?
- Are there mentorship opportunities and leadership workshops for professional growth?
- Does your organization have employee affinity groups?
- How has your organization fostered a sense of belonging for all employees?
- How does the promotion and evaluation process work? Who is in charge of these decisions?
During the Interview
Interviews can often induce worry from an applicant regarding their ability to perform well in order to be hired by a company. Concepts of what is “professional” can be subjective but worth being aware of when preparing for interviews. Remember to stay positive and focus on the skills you bring to the position. Getting an interview means you were selected from a competitive pool of applicants based on your qualifications. Keep this in mind during the interview where you’ll continue to showcase how qualified you are for the position.
At Work
After getting hired, there are various things to keep in mind regarding your stance in the workplace. It’s a great first step that your employer hired you. It is crucial they continue to support you throughout your time there and that they uphold the same values they talked about in the interviewing process. Joining an Employee Affinity Group may be a good way to feel supported within your workplace. If one does not exist, consider talking to Human Resources about the possibility of starting one.