Culture and style
Pick a work environment to suit your character
Your place of work needs to be a place where you’ll be happy, as you’ll be spending a vast proportion of your time there. So when you’re choosing your employer make sure you’ll like the place and the people.
The culture
Many companies look pretty similar and seem to offer much the same thing, but a little digging will unearth very different cultures and values. Thrusting, ruthless, careful, conservative, entrepreneurial, creative – what company culture would best suit you? Frequent deadlines are great if you thrive on pressure, but if you prefer having the time and space to think things through, make sure you’ll have the opportunity. Do you want a safe, secure environment, or a company prepared to take a few risks and push you every step of the way? Make sure your values match those of the company.
The style
Do you want to wear a pin stripe suit to work every day, or do you quite like the idea of being able to turn up in your jeans and flip-flops? Some employers recognise that people work better when they’re comfortable, so they offer a relaxed dress code. But some jobs require a professional image – if yours is one of them, make sure you will be comfortable wearing a suit. And remember, no matter what you’re wearing, you’ll still have to do the work!
The people
Let’s face it, you’ll be spending a lot of your time at work – and you’ll see your colleagues more than your friends. Choose a ‘great company, lousy people’ scenario, and you won’t last long. It’s important that you like at least some of your colleagues. Meet as many people as possible during the recruitment process, at presentations and fairs and by visiting where they work. The people you meet will be representative of the people you don’t, so back your instincts. Do you like them? Do you feel comfortable with them? Could you imagine yourself working with them? If not, perhaps this is not the right place for you to work. Talk to recent graduates at the company. It may be technically challenging work, but is it fun? Is there a good atmosphere in the office?
The work/life balance
It’s important to maintain a decent balance between work and leisure. All work and no play is just not fun! Some employers have a ‘culture’ that involves working late every night. If your social life is a priority, or even if you just want some time to relax, you might not want to work there. Many employers are introducing flexible working practices. Part-time work and job-share opportunities are increasingly common. Some employers offer flexi-time, which lets you choose when you work your hours.
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