How can you tell you are joining the right company?

Sergiu,

you could look for public sources to gain more insights.
What do employees post on LinkedIn?
Are there codes of ethics, DEI/ESG reports on their website?
Could you look at tools like glassdoor to read employee voices?

On the other side, this is an opportunity to reflect on yourself, becoming more self-aware, maybe adaptive and resilient. Talk to a mentor. In the end you say that you do not fit. Why.

Dear Sergiu,

Assessing company culture and ensuring a good fit when looking for a new opportunity, especially in project management within the pharmaceutical industry, requires a multifaceted approach. Online reviews are a starting point, but they don't always provide the full picture. Here are some strategies to gain deeper insights into a company's culture:

1. Network and Connect with Current and Former Employees:
LinkedIn Networking: Reach out to current or former employees of the company on LinkedIn. They can provide firsthand insights into the company culture.
Informational Interviews: Request informational interviews or casual conversations with employees or contacts in your network who can share their experiences.
2. Analyze Company Communications:
Company Website and Social Media: Review the company’s website, blogs, and social media profiles. Pay attention to how they communicate their values, mission, and work environment.
Press Releases and News Articles: Look for news articles or press releases about the company. How they handle public relations can reflect their internal culture.
3. Evaluate the Interview Process:
Interview Observations: Pay attention to the tone and style of communication during the interview process. How interviewers interact with you can be indicative of the overall culture.
Ask Culture-Related Questions: During interviews, ask specific questions about the company culture, work-life balance, team dynamics, and management style.
4. Company Policies and Practices:
Work-Life Balance: Inquire about policies regarding work-life balance, flexibility, and employee well-being.
Professional Development: Ask about opportunities for learning and growth, such as training programs, mentorship, and career advancement paths.
5. Attend Industry Events and Conferences:
Networking Events: Attend industry networking events or conferences where you might meet employees from the company.
Company Presentations: Observe company presentations at conferences to gauge how they represent themselves in professional communities.
6. Look for Employer Awards and Recognitions:
Workplace Awards: Check if the company has received any awards or recognition as a great place to work.
Industry Rankings: Look at industry rankings or surveys that might give insights into the company’s reputation as an employer.
7. Review Job Descriptions and Career Pages:
Language Used in Job Listings: The language and tone used in job descriptions can reflect the company’s culture and values.
Employee Testimonials: Some companies feature employee testimonials on their career pages, which can offer insights into the work environment.
8. Trust Your Instincts:
Personal Feelings: Consider how you feel about the interactions you've had with the company representatives. Trust your gut feeling about whether you would fit in.
Conclusion:
Assessing a company's culture requires a combination of research, networking, and direct questioning. By using these strategies, you can gather a more comprehensive view of what it's like to work at a company, beyond what's available in online reviews. It’s important to find a culture that aligns with your values and working style, especially in a role as critical as project management in the pharmaceutical industry.

BR,

Markus