If you’re in the middle of a job search, or even just considering a career change, it helps to know just what you’re looking for and what would make you feel happy or fulfilled in your work. Once you have a better understanding of what you want from your job, you can find the right workplace fit.
Finding the right fit
There are many ways to define workplace culture and its impact on you as an employee. However, when you get right down to it, the right fit is going to translate to feeling like you belong, that you are valued.
When you feel like you belong, your skills and experience can be better utilized. Most importantly, you’ll want to make a difference and be energized by the work you do. That can make a huge difference for your career.
So, how can you tell if a workplace is a good fit for you?
Looking inward
There are a few questions you can ask yourself when you’re trying to figure out what kind of work environment might be right for you. You may already know the answers to some of these questions, or you may know what doesn’t work for you from previous jobs.
In either case, the answers will help you set goals for your job search.
- What type of work environment makes you happy and productive?
Assessing how you work is critical in knowing the type of employment you’re looking for. If you want to be on your feet and moving around, an office job isn’t for you. If you need a quiet space and time to focus, though, an administration job might be a good fit.
In turn, the mental environment can be just as important as the physical one. Some of us thrive when we’re busy, while others want the chance to give individual tasks our complete attention. Knowing how you produce your best work is key to finding the right work environment.
- What motivates you to do your best work?
We recently asked our social media audiences why they were searching for new jobs. Across the poll, almost half of the respondents chose career advancement, while one-third were seeking better compensation. Many said they were looking for all that and more.
Whether it’s a steady paycheck, the promise of a promotion, or a sense of gratitude from the people you work with, many factors can impact how well you do your job. Consider what positive factors drive you and you can better assess if a workplace will give you what you need.
Get to know a potential workplace
The second half of the workplace equation is the workplace itself. If you’re going to spend 8 hours a day, 5 days a week (or more, in some cases) somewhere, you should know what you’re getting into.
Whether you ask questions at your interview, ask people who work there, or research a workplace through online resources, there’s a lot to learn about your potential employers and coworkers.
- Why did you choose to work here?
- Is the workplace collaborative, or do most people work independently?
- Are the departments independent, or do most people know each other?
- How would you describe the workplace culture?
- Has the workplace culture changed since you started?
- What’s your favorite thing about working here?
These questions are just a few that you could ask, but the answers you receive will tell you a lot about the environment.
The VA difference
Knowing what you know, and knowing what to ask when you don’t, you can better assess the opportunities available to you, including those here at VA.
Those of us who work at VA can tell you that you’ll find a culture unlike anywhere else. That’s because we’re all united in the noble mission of serving Veterans. From this common ground, we’re able to create a supportive and innovative environment.
“There’s no other place to work that has the same culture we have at VA,” explained Gerald Marin-Garcia, an attending physician in San Juan, Puerto Rico. “If you like to help people that try to help you, the VA is the place.”
“There really is no other employer like VA,” said Edmund R. “Bobby” Patterson, an employee experience officer in the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System. “All you have to do is spend the time and hone your craft and skills, and you can continue to move up, and up, and up.”
Work at VA
Finding the right fit for your career is as easy as answering a few questions—and applying at VA. Join our team and find out first-hand why we’re a top workplace.
- LEARN more about the workplace culture at VA.
- EXPLORE the employment benefits of a VA career.
- SEARCH for an opportunity to join our team.
