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Finding your dream job is more than just securing a paycheck — it’s about aligning your career with your values, passions, and long-term goals. But how do you distinguish between a company that will nurture your growth and one that might be even more toxic than your ex?
Olha Fenko, Senior Talent Marketing Specialist at Intellias and employer branding expert, shares practical tips to help you find a workplace that resonates with your aspirations.
Your dream job starts with understanding the characteristics of a great workplace versus a toxic one. Sometimes, it depends on your perception. For example, you can see flexible hours as a benefit or treat it as chaos you cannot handle. Or think of a regular evening team building — is it a great chance to get to know your colleagues better or wasting your private time? However, there are some generic indicators, let’s explore them:
A dream company often exhibits:
On the flip side, a toxic company might show:
Before you can find a company that matches your ideal workplace, it’s essential to understand what matters most to you. Here’s a list of questions to reflect on your priorities before embarking on your job search:
If you’re curious how your values align with Intellias, check our values here — Why Intellias.
Once you’ve defined your priorities, it’s time for some OSINT. Here are some cues to check a potential employer’s culture, reputation, and values:
Each resource gives you a different lens — use them together to create a complete picture. By the way, what about trying these tips and exploring Intellias?
Take the first step toward a workplace you’ll love
Not all that glitters is gold, and some companies hide toxic traits behind a polished exterior. Keep an eye out for these red flags when researching or interviewing:
Vague job descriptions or dodged questions about team dynamics and working conditions are the first warning signs.
Where there’s smoke, there’s usually fire. Research for repeated criticisms on multiple platforms about the same issues.
Overloaded job descriptions that combine responsibilities of multiple roles.
Late or canceled interviews without explanation or rude behavior from interviewers.
Multiple listings for the same role or employees with short tenures.
Ambiguity about the company’s stage or frequent salary delays.
No perks or benefits because you should really focus on that cutthroat competition among colleagues.
Overly strict control over employees, like time trackers counting each move and penalties for minor infractions. Late by 5 minutes? That’ll cost you.
Companies that stress being “like family” may use it to justify blurred boundaries, such as unpaid overtime, unreasonable expectations, or pressure to prioritize work over personal life.
Does the company treat regular overtime as everyone’s norm? Run.
When interviewing, don’t just focus on impressing the employer — use the opportunity to evaluate them, too. Asking thoughtful questions will help you uncover the true nature of the company’s culture and expectations:
These questions will show you’re invested while helping you assess if the role aligns with your goals.
The probation period is your chance to verify if the company walks the talk. Pay attention to:
The search for your dream job is about finding a place where your values and aspirations align with the company’s mission and culture. Be confident in evaluating employers, ask the right questions, and take control of your career journey. Every experience — positive or negative — brings you closer to the right fit. Good luck!
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