The Dirt World is loaded with great companies that care about their people. (That’s one of the many reasons to work in Dirt.)
So, how do you find them? Great question!
Ask questions like:
You’d be surprised how many people are willing to answer you! Plus, it gets you in the habit of asking sincere questions—which is super important for building your career.
You can and should ask questions during job interviews. Remember, you’re interviewing them, too—you need to make sure you want to work there.
You can even ask some of the questions listed above. Just remember, job interviews are professional settings. Be respectful. And be specific.
Here are a few examples:
Do you like working here? | What do you like about working here? |
What sucks about this job? | What’s one thing your company could improve? |
So, like, what’s it pay? | What is standard compensation for someone with my experience level? |
Do you guys have core values? | I saw that one of your core values is _________. Can you tell me how you’ve seen people exhibit that value? |
See the difference?
The “do ask” questions take some preparation, but they’re way more helpful. They’re specific, so they encourage the interviewer to share more information that’ll help you decide if the company is a good fit for you. Plus these questions are more professional—which makes you look good.
So if you’re interested in a company, follow them on social media and see what they do.
If they . . . | It’s a good sign that . . . |
---|---|
Post regularly | They’re consistent. |
Share on multiple platforms | They use current technology and know how to connect with people. |
Show off their jobsites | Their jobsites and equipment are safe, clean, and organized. |
Highlight their people’s stories | They care about those people as human beings, not just workers. |
Make their posts fun | They’re a fun, friendly place to work. |
Now, this isn’t always true. Some crummy companies have discovered social media. But generally, most companies that are willing to invest time and energy to create a great social presence are good to work for.
A good company should give you:
Watch out for equipment that looks wrecked, old broken tools, or people who lack PPE. That can indicate the company doesn’t take care of their stuff or people.
Good companies will train you, because they want you to grow and use your new skills to move up in their business.
So look for companies that are committed to ongoing training and apprenticeships. It’s especially good if you see them encourage experienced folks to take an active role in mentoring and coaching new hires.
Companies are the same way. A genuinely good culture shines through.
You’ll notice things like:
But no company is perfect, so you have to be able to separate your “nice-to-haves” from your non-negotiables. And remember, a good company may not always be good for you.
Here are three examples to help you see what we mean.
Some people want to travel, so a job that requires it is good for them. But what if you’re a single parent or caretaker for a sick relative? Then a traveling job isn’t good for you—no matter how much you like the company.
We’ll be honest: you will work nights, weekends, or long hours occasionally in most Dirt World jobs. But it happens more in some than others. You have to decide if you need a regular schedule—or if you’re willing to work untraditional hours for the right company.
Most companies offer benefits packages, so they give you limited options to choose from. So how do you know which company’s benefits are best for you?
First, decide what’s non-negotiable. Then only look for companies that offer those benefits. After that, you can make choices based on nice-to-haves.
Bryan’s wife has health issues, making good health insurance non-negotiable. So he only considers companies that offer great coverage.
After that, he can make tradeoffs based on his wish list, like:
Maybe you would have chosen something different. Maybe you’d rather have profit sharing, or maybe you plan to start a family so parental leave is non-negotiable for you.
Your non-negotiables and nice-to-haves are unique to you. The key is to be realistic about where you are in life, where you’re trying to go, and what benefits will help you get there.
Thankfully, good companies care about providing good benefits for their people—and they typically expand their benefit programs as the business grows.
The first impression you get during the hiring process is usually right. After you go for an interview—or even after you onboard at a new company—ask yourself:
If you don't feel valued, you probably aren't. And you don’t need that. There are good companies all over—so you can find a job that’s right for you.
Many of our team members have worked in the Dirt World—some for decades. So we know what it’s like looking for a great company to work for, and we want to help make it easier.
That’s why we created BuildWitt Jobs—to help you connect with Dirt World employers. And it’s completely free for you to use.
Just create your free profile, set your parameters, and you’re ready to start searching for your dream job. You can even upload your resume so companies can find you.