When you are weighing up a potential new job opportunity, have you considered the company’s culture? Determining whether a company is the right fit for you should be about more than just pay, location and hours.
A good company culture can go a long way to feeling satisfied in your role and achieving your career goals. On the flip side, a poor workplace culture can leave you feeling dissatisfied and exposed to stress at work.
Company culture shapes how people interact, communicate and feel supported at work. It can influence everything from your motivation and performance to your sense of belonging within a team. Taking time to understand an organisation’s culture before accepting a job can help you make a more confident and informed decision.
So, why is culture important and how can you assess an organisation’s culture?
Why is positive workplace culture important?
A positive workplace culture can help you to develop stronger relationships with those you work with. Feeling connected to your colleagues can help to boost your morale at work.
A positive company culture makes you feel safe asking questions at work and can lead to increased workplace productivity among employees.
Increased productivity can enhance your chances of career progression and other opportunities.
How to uncover an organisation’s culture
There are several ways you can assess a workplace’s culture before working there. These include:
Public image and consistency
Look at the company’s website, mission statement and social media to see what the company says is their culture.
Of course, companies will always say good things about themselves. Try to look for consistency. If words, like innovation or community are frequently mentioned, this is a good sign.
On the other hand, if a company says it is a diverse and inclusive workplace, does the leadership team reflect that?
Reputation
There is a growing number of sites where current and former employees can anonymously outline their experiences working for particular organisations.
While you can expect to see primarily negativity, if the same issue is raised multiple times by different employees this could be a red flag.
When attending an interview, you can ask if there are any current employees that would be willing to speak about what it is like to work for the company.
Experience with the organisation
You can get a sense of an organisation’s culture by how they respond to you as an applicant. If it takes them ages to get back to you, that could be a warning sign. If you have dealt with them as a customer of client previously, this can also be worth reflecting on.
Questions to ask
In an interview, you can ask questions about company culture such as:
How much support do staff receive from managers and each other?
What career development opportunities are on offer?
How much autonomy do I have over where I work, the hours I work and who I work with?
Understanding a company’s culture before accepting a role can make a big difference to your long-term job satisfaction and career success. By asking the right questions and doing a little research, you can find an organisation that aligns with your values, work style and goals.
Finding the right cultural fit is just one step in building a rewarding career. Presenting your skills, experience and personality clearly on paper can help you stand out to employers who share your values. If you’re exploring new opportunities or preparing to take the next step in your career, Melbourne Resume Writers can help. We are pleased to offer various services, including our professional resume writing service and LinkedIn profile writing service.
Article References
Indeed (3 October 2025) ‘How to uncover a workplace’s culture before you take the job‘, Indeed, accessed 23 October 2025.
Scott, K (21 October 2025) ‘Understanding Workforce Culture: Tips and Importance‘, ABC News, accessed 23 October 2025.
Seek (1 May 2024) ‘How to build a positive workplace culture’, Seek, accessed 23 October 2025.