Before starting a new job, you should give the company a thorough employer check: How good is the store really? Do I want to work there? We have identified 13 important employer check criteria for selection that applicants can use to improve their job search. There are also extensive tips and questionnaires from well-known companies, what the HR managers look for there with applicants. This brings you a good deal closer to your dream job and a top employer.
Criteria: What distinguishes a good employer?
“So check out who binds longer.” – The bon mot is even more true when looking for a job and choosing an employer. Even if you think you’ve already found the dream job, it can’t hurt to systematically compare job offers or take a closer look with an employer check.
The selection criteria are of course individually different. Everyone sets priorities differently. Nevertheless, you should start your personal employer check with a list: What is important to you? What do you attach particular importance to? And what are the knockout criteria?
The following checklist already provides you with initial clues, examples, and selection criteria. You can also conveniently edit and add to the list online in the browser. Simply click on the box and write in.
- Exciting tasks
- Independent work
- Flexible working hours & home office
- Fair salary
- Nice colleagues
- Respectful leadership
- Good development prospects
- Further training opportunities
- Good working atmosphere
- Family friendliness
- Safe workplace
- Good employer image
- Business success of the company
Where can I find meaningful information?
With the help of the lists above you can easily check whether the new employer fits your requirements and criteria. But where do you get the information you need to do this? Ideally, you should use various sources for research and search for an employer in advance of the application process.
Employer websites
The first port of call should be the company’s various websites. The homepage as well as the career pages or various accounts in the social networks. The information there is usually positive (no employer presents itself badly). But between the lines, there are good clues about the corporate culture and information about the application.
Media reports
A conscientious employer check also includes neutral sources, such as reports in the media. In interviews or magazine stories there are numerous indications about the economic situation of the employer. What managers say and how they say it also reveals a lot about management culture. In the case of smaller companies and businesses, such information can mainly be found in the local press.
Employer-check-during-job-search
Those who want to change their careers or reorient themselves will find suitable job offers primarily on online job exchanges. Read them carefully:
- What will your tasks be?
- What (everything) is expected of you?
- Are there any signs of stress or overtime?
- Is a high load capacity required?
- How often does the word “team” appear?
- Does it say anything about development or further training?
- Are career prospects mentioned?
Even if it is primarily a job advertisement, the text in it can tell a lot about the actual working atmosphere. And about what’s going on behind the scenes. Incidentally, also what is not in the job offer!
Employer-check-in-job-interview
Most applicants are so nervous during the interview that they tend to tunnel vision. The main thing is that you look good yourself and don’t make any mistakes. The interview is a great opportunity to thoroughly check the employer. Reception, greeting, seating arrangements, and atmosphere can reveal a lot about the job and the company.
Employer checklist for deciphering pretty facades:
- How will you be received?
- How do the employees treat each other?
- How do the interviewer and boss act?
- What does the body language of those present say?
- What is the dress code?
- What are the workplaces like?
- Do the employees seem happy, relaxed?
- How do you deal with yourself?
- Are your questions answered (evasively)?
Employer check for application
Formally, the requirements for applicants hardly differ: cover letters, résumé, certificates – almost all employers require this. The pitfalls, on the other hand, are in the details. Every company sets different priorities here, which it pays attention to when applying.
To increase your application chances, we developed a standardized questionnaire some time ago, which numerous top employers have already answered. The result is a comprehensive (free) application guide that you can use to your advantage with your next application.