Job Seeker Blog - Spark Hire

Best Companies to Work For in 2013

Fortune recently released its list of the best companies to work for in 2013. In honor of this year’s list we’re taking a look at what makes a company great. In some cases it’s the company culture, others it’s the perks, it may be job growth or stability, or it may be the pay. Whatever it is, there are certain things that make one employer better than another.

A complete list of the Top 100 can be found on Fortune’s website. The list is based on a joint collaboration survey between Fortune and the Great Place to Work Institute, with two-thirds of the score based on management’s credibility, job satisfaction, and camaraderie, and the final third based on the Culture Audit–which factors in benefits, internal communications, diversity, and more. Highlighting the list as the top ten are:

  1. Google, Inc.
  2. SAS
  3. CHG Healthcare Services
  4. The Boston Consulting Group, Inc.
  5. Wegman’s Food Markets, Inc.
  6. NetApp
  7. Hilcorp Energy Company
  8. Edward Jones
  9. Ultimate Software
  10. Camden Property Trust.

Four of the top ten are technology-related corporations, with many more across the top hundred. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that tech companies rank highly on employee satisfaction. A number of them offer perks such as domestic partner benefits for same-sex couples and on-site fitness centers. Many are also expanding, offering more jobs, and giving employees room for growth within the company.

The good news for job seekers? According to Fortune many of these companies are now hiring for 50 or more positions, including eight of the top 10. So if you’re looking to get a job at one of this year’s best companies to work for, jobs are a plenty. And if not, the factors looked at by Fortune and the Great Place to Work Institute will be helpful in guiding your job search. Look for places that offer benefits that align with your priorities. If you know someone at an organization ask about their company culture. Pictures are easy to put up, so make sure you find a company with satisfied employees, not just pictures of them. Finally, make sure the job you’re applying for will give you a sense of satisfaction. Otherwise, even the best companies to work for won’t be the best for you.

Do you work for a company you feel deserves to make the top ten? Tell us what makes your workplace awesome in the comments!

IMAGE: Courtesy of Flickr by Robert Scoble

Jen Schiller

Jen works as a Marketing Project Manager for a restaurant, a kitchen assistant for cooking classes, helps with database management, does some freelance writing, and more. She received her B.A. from the University of Maryland in Government & Politics in 2011. Currently, she resides in the Washington, D.C. area and is an avid sports fan.

Add comment