How can you identify the right company culture for your insurance career?
Finding the right company culture for your insurance career can make a huge difference in your satisfaction, performance, and growth. Company culture is the set of values, beliefs, and behaviors that shape how a company operates and treats its employees and customers. But how can you identify the company culture that suits you best? Here are some tips to help you.
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ashley fitzsimmonsThe Beyoncé of Insurance. Millennial.
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Kenneth Hauck, CIC, ARM, CPIALearn It So You Can Earn It! Independent Contractor. Founder. Premium Finance. Insurance. Selling is SIMPLE sales…
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Don Hobdy JrI help businesses acclimate to the future | Super Connector | AI is my friend | Patent for pricing risk using AI | No…
Before you apply for a job or go for an interview, do some online research on the company. Look at their website, social media, reviews, and news articles. What is their mission, vision, and values? How do they communicate their brand identity and reputation? How do they handle feedback and complaints? What are their goals and challenges? These can give you some clues about their culture and expectations.
During the interview process, you have the opportunity to ask questions that can reveal more about the company culture. For example, you can ask about the work environment, the team dynamics, the leadership style, the training and development opportunities, the performance evaluation and feedback system, and the recognition and rewards programs. You can also ask how they deal with change, innovation, risk, and diversity. Be attentive to the tone, language, and body language of the interviewer, as well as the quality and consistency of the answers.
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A very important question to ask right now from both parties: what type of work environment do you most thrive in? Many companies tout being a 'hybrid' work environment however we need to be more clear in setting expectations on what that means. Is that working from home two days a week and being in the office three? Do you have set days or can you come and go as you please? Who do you have to tell, if anyone, what days you will or won't be in? Hybrid environments allow for amazing flexibility but can absolutely cause unnecessary tension or conflict if not effectively communicated and agreed upon up front.
Another way to get a sense of the company culture is to talk to people who work or have worked there. You can use your network, online forums, or platforms like LinkedIn or Glassdoor to connect with them. Ask them about their experience, their likes and dislikes, their challenges and achievements, and their advice for potential candidates. Be respectful, curious, and open-minded, and try to get different perspectives from different roles and levels.
Finally, you need to reflect on your own values and goals, and how they align with the company culture. What are you looking for in a job and a career? What are your strengths and weaknesses? What are your preferences and priorities? How do you work best with others? How do you handle stress and conflict? How do you learn and grow? How do you balance work and life? These questions can help you assess your fit and compatibility with the company culture.
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Actually, this is one of the first things you should do as soon as you discover you have a new interview. But the approach you take to consider your values and your goals is somewhat different. Start by take me look at your most recent work experience and ask yourself What did you enjoy about what your your time with that organization? If the culture is different, would it have impacted your staying with that Organization? How so? Now go back and look at your previous three companies we work for and and do the same exercise. In order for you to be a good fit for the company and the company to be a good fit for you it takes some brutal honesty. You have to look and see where you were culpable for any less than positive experience.
After doing your research, asking questions, talking to people, and reflecting on yourself, you should have a good idea of the company culture and whether it matches your expectations and needs. However, sometimes you may still have doubts or mixed feelings. In that case, trust your instincts and intuition. How do you feel about working for the company? Do you feel excited, motivated, and comfortable, or do you feel anxious, bored, or uneasy? Your gut feeling can often guide you to the right decision.
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