A client recently shared exciting news about a promotional opportunity in a different city. We expected her to be happy, but she was hesitant, “I just wish I could peek behind the curtain.” Holly¹ knew the prospective employer was projecting an image—like the Great and Powerful Oz—of an ideal. She wanted to know if the real organization was someplace she would really want to work. When deciding to switch jobs, have you ever wondered the same?

Apps like Glassdoor might provide additional information, but recent research by LinkedIn found reviews, “…highly opinionated and based on individual perspective.” So, how would you dig deeper to find out if an agency is as good as it says it is and offers what matters to you?

Below are some common things people value in work and ways to find out if a prospective employer offers them.

Qs: What are the responsibilities for this position? Will I have more autonomy or authority in decision-making?

Carefully read the job description or classification specifications (class specs). The class specs contain the position’s classification and compensation, reporting responsibilities, critical knowledge, skills, and abilities needed, etc. If the class specs are not provided in the job ad, visit the agency’s Human Resources webpage to access them. If anything is unclear about the responsibilities or authority of the position, ask for clarification during the interview.

Qs: Does the agency provide career growth and advancement? Are there professional development, mentorship, or leadership training programs?

We don’t recommend asking about promotional opportunities in the initial interview. However, you can ask agency staff about development and training programs in subsequent interviews. Another way to find out about advancement opportunities is to ask the staff interviewing you about their career paths at the agency. Your interviewers will appreciate your interest and you will gain more insight on opportunities for career growth.

Qs: What is the work culture like? Is the work environment collaborative or bureaucratic? How is work-life balance?

Search the web or the lobby brochure rack for an agency employee newsletter and read several issues. Are the articles about staff bowling leagues, holiday toy drives, or community-wide reading programs? Or are articles focused on team or department accomplishments, recognitions, and awards? The organization’s newsletter should give you good information about organizational culture.

Qs: Does the agency embrace stability, or are they more geared toward change and innovation? Will I have opportunities to implement new ideas or face bureaucratic hurdles?

Applying for a job with an agency provides a window into their openness to change and innovation. Was the website easy to understand and navigate? Were you able to submit a digital application? Did you receive an automatic acknowledgment, calendar invites for your interview, text reminders about dates and deadlines, etc.? If so, it’s likely that other agency departments provide the technology-based solutions that Human Resources does, and that the agency is open to innovation.

Every discovery you make can be looked at in several ways. For example, if the process is not automated and you embrace technological innovations, this might be a place where you can have an impact on the organization. Ask during the interview with agency staff.

Qs: What is the agency’s reputation and impact on the community? Is the agency known for ethical leadership, strong governance, and effectiveness in public service?

Search the local newspaper’s digital archives for articles about the agency. Determine which articles are press releases submitted by agency staff and which are original or investigative reporting by newspaper staff. Is there a disconnect between what the agency presents about itself and how its actions are reported? Read everything to develop a complete picture.

Finally, it doesn’t hurt to talk with a good friend. Remember that it was Dorothy’s brave friend “Toto” who pulled back the curtain to reveal the truth about the Great and Powerful Oz. Tell a friend or mentor who knows you well what you’ve discovered and ask them if they think the agency would be someplace you could thrive. Work is one of our most significant commitments, and fulfilling work has the potential to provide great satisfaction. Be polite but fearless as you pull back the curtain to determine if a potential employer can provide you with the job satisfaction you deserve.

What do you value in work and how do you find out if a prospective employer can provide it? Drop us a line at info@mynpsj.com.

1. Note: Names have been altered to protect privacy.