A Few Tips for Finding a Company That Aligns with You

Introduction

Although the title says, “Criteria for Identifying a Good Company,” the reality is that a “good company” varies widely for each applicant, depending on their individual circumstances. Thus, the subtitle suggests, “A Few Tips for Finding a Company That Aligns with You.”

Does the Company Have Peers Who Share My Values?

From my experience, the more coworkers who share similar values and perspectives with me, the stronger my sense of psychological safety has been. Conversely, when I’ve been in environments with more coworkers who have markedly different outlooks, I’ve noticed a decrease in this feeling of security.

Subtitle: What Is a “Peer”?

Recently, I came across a book titled The Society That Names by Song Gil-young, where the author emphasizes the importance of finding “peers” or “companions.” Although I haven’t read the book, I learned through an interview with the author that it explores why we give specific names to people in our social circles and communicate with them in this way. This is because they are our “peers” or “companions.”

In a society that is becoming increasingly individualized, a peer, as I would define it, is someone whose life aligns closely with mine in various ways. When we meet people who share similar values, it creates opportunities for rich, meaningful discussions, and through this, we can accomplish things together that would be difficult alone. Therefore, finding and developing these connections in life is essential. If a company has many people like this, then I’d expect the work experience to be enjoyable. During interviews, try asking questions to identify these peers or observe them throughout the process.

Do They Have a Similar Perspective on the Product?

This point aligns somewhat with leadership but goes beyond simply having a “good” leadership style. Instead, it’s about whether the leadership has specific guiding principles for leading a product team.

Many startups these days find themselves trapped in the “Death Valley” stage of growth. Based on my experience, companies facing this challenge often try a variety of strategies to survive, and some of these strategies may lack innovation or forward-thinking vision. If a company remains in this state for an extended period, it can negatively impact motivation. Therefore, it’s essential to understand how the team views the process of developing and presenting the product to its users.

Is the Company Going Through a Transitional Phase?

Working in a startup, it’s common to experience various transitional phases, whether through mergers and acquisitions, the establishment of a parent company, or new funding rounds. These transitions often bring significant shifts in human resources or cash flow, shaping the company’s internal atmosphere.

If a company is undergoing a major transitional phase—such as a significant loss of key talent—the resulting changes will be strongly felt by the staff. It’s crucial to be mindful of this when considering a company.

Finally, Is This Company Genuinely Attractive to Me?

Personally, I find this point the most important. Beyond financial reasons, do I have a compelling reason to work at this company? Naturally, many people work to make a living. However, if financial stability is the only reason for choosing a company, it might not be the best decision in the long run.

Consider carefully whether the company genuinely appeals to you. If it offers even one attractive factor beyond salary, it could be a good fit for you. If you don’t feel this pull, walking away might be a wise decision.

Conclusion

These are a few of my thoughts on this topic. There’s no universal standard for what makes a “good” company, and not everyone can work at a place that meets all of their expectations. However, since it’s ultimately a place where we’ll spend a significant amount of time, it’s crucial to make a thoughtful decision after thoroughly filtering through various considerations. Of course, for the company to find you equally attractive, you’ll also need to bring your own strengths to the table.