Take the Pulse of the Workplace
Once you’ve got the job in technology you’ve trained and strove to attain, actually going to work means more than applying your skills to the job at hand
While that is priority one, adapting to the company culture plays a big role in how you’ll fit in.
Despite the stereotypes, the culture at all tech companies is not the same. As the website Culture Amp, which focuses (appropriately enough) on corporate culture, there is no singular tech culture. There are similarities, but Google will not function like Apple, nor will Microsoft operate like Amazon.
The benefits
While it’s true that tech companies often seek out employees willing to spend extraordinary amounts of time and effort toward its goals, tech workers also often enjoy extraordinary benefits.
What’s not often pointed out is that new tech companies offer advanced workplace culture and take the lead among business organizations in these key areas Culture Amp highlighted:
Open and honest twoway communication. Workplace flexibility. Perceptions of fair reward and recognition.
Fair division of workload.
Taking action on the results of employee surveys. Motivating people.
These are all important aspects of a culture that respects its employees and takes action to ensure that worker concerns are quickly and fairly addressed. Tech companies understand their employees are highly skilled and highly sought after, so it’s a priority that these firms invest in creating a culture that responds to these issues to gain competitive advantage.
While it is again important to note that no two companies approach workplace culture exactly alike, as an employee you can expect a heightened level of connection between leadership, management and workforce. These companies understand that its employees lives matter and go to great lengths to provide continuing education and development that rewards and retains top talent.
How to fit in
It’s important to understand how you’ll fit into any workplace environment, regardless of whether it’s a tech company or not. But the atmosphere in the tech world can also be remarkably different from many organizations.
Primarily you’ll want to consider your own goals and the skills necessary to succeed in any given environment. The website The Muse advises you make a list of your top priorities and compare those alongside the positions you’re applying for. For instance, you need to assess whether you want to advance quickly, are happy multitasking and how important learning and advancement opportunities are to you.
You’ll also need to factor in how your skill set aligns with expectations. While some tech positions may seem alike and often are described in similar ways, it’s best to talk with a recruiter or mentor to determine any particular skills a company seeks, advises Kelly Hoey, author Build Your Dream Network. Some skills are expected, while others can be learned on the job.
Employers often place great value not only on tech skills, but on so-called “soft” skills, such as problem-solving, work ethic, communication, creative thinking and, of course, professionalism. In the broader sense, all companies seek well-rounded employees who exhibit a mix of people skills, analytical ability and base technical skills to adapt and perform.
It should be obvious from the start how a company treats its employees, especially in the competitive, forward-thinking world of technology.