Learn how to research, ask, talk, reflect, and trust your instincts to identify the company culture that matches your values and goals in the insurance industry.

Personally, I would be thrilled if an interviewee asked if they could talk to other employees in our office before leaving after the meeting. Again, you'll want to be respectful of their time, however getting to chat with other employees would be a quick temp check on the culture.

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.

1 Research the company online

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.

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2 Ask the right questions

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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Kenneth Hauck, CIC, ARM, CPIA

Learn It So You Can Earn It! Independent Contractor. Premium Finance. Insurance. Founder. Selling is SIMPLE sales training / Teach-Train-Coach-Mentor / Continuing Education-Insurance Trivia / Be Memorable-Be Exceptional!
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The most memorable interviews I have had in my career included meeting many of the key employees I would be interacting with.

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ashley fitzsimmons

The Beyoncé of Insurance. Millennial.
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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.

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3 Talk to current or former employees

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.

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ashley fitzsimmons

The Beyoncé of Insurance. Millennial.
(edited)
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Personally, I would be thrilled if an interviewee asked if they could talk to other employees in our office before leaving after the meeting. Again, you'll want to be respectful of their time, however getting to chat with other employees would be a quick temp check on the culture.

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4 Reflect on your values and goals

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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Don Hobdy Jr

Building Happy People w/A.I. | Super Connector | AI is my friend | Patent for pricing risk using AI | Keeping dealerships protected and consumers safe w/Gather |building intelligent connected insurance assistants.
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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.

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5 Trust your instincts

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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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you identify the right company culture for your insurance career?

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1 Research the company online

2 Ask the right questions

3 Talk to current or former employees

4 Reflect on your values and goals

5 Trust your instincts

6 Here’s what else to consider

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