5 ways to do due diligence on employers - and why

Enjoying the 40 hours spent at work every week is a fundamental part of living a happy life. This goes for both women, men and everyone else. 

Still, as women in technology fields, we are generally both extra attractive and potentially extra vulnerable on the labor market. Choosing where to work can be an extra daunting task as a woman in a still predominantly male dominated industry - so, how do you avoid landing a job in a boys’ club? 

Doing proper due diligence on potential employers is equally as important as it is commonly overlooked. Even in an industry where jobs are plenty and talent limited, the power of the recruiting process still seems to weigh heavier on the employer's side. Employers will definitely do their due diligence on you, so there’s no reason for you not to do one on them.

• Check glassdoor.com or other sites doing an amazing job at reviewing companies through the perspectives of their most valuable asset: their employees. Even though some companies have strategies in place to fake reviews, it still doesn't block the honest ones. There may, of course, be good reviews that are honest but be savvy when reading. Still, checking Glassdoor is very much worth it, since it could save you from walking into a work environment nightmare.
  

• Ask around in open female networks. One of the most frequently asked questions in our closed members group are related to insights or reflections on companies from other women who have experienced working there. Ask and you shall receive!
  

• Investigate the leadership structure. What is the composition of the board of the company? Are there any women in executive roles? If something doesn’t sit well with you, make sure to ask the company about their perspective of the division of power within the organisation.
  

• Ask to speak to current employees. It’s hard to get a grip of a company’s culture by just speaking to the hiring manager or recruiter, and since you are also interviewing the company alongside them interviewing you - asking to speak to your potential future coworker should be a given. If you can speak to the person who had your position previously, that's even better!
  

• Ask as many questions as you answer! Maybe not completely, we are not suggesting that you sit and count questions, ready to counter with one of your own, but we want to emphasise the importance of you making sure you’re getting all the information you need to make an informed decision.

  
  The company is investing in an employee, you are investing in your life
  - both are equally important to get right.