When you’re searching for your next job, credentials like a Great Place to Work® Certification might catch your eye. But what do they really mean, and why should it matter to you as a candidate?

The truth is certifications like these aren’t just plaques on the wall. They’re based on direct feedback from team members – the people who know the organization best. That makes them a powerful signal for job seekers who want more than just a paycheck. They point to companies where culture, trust, and purpose are built into everyday work.

This year, the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation (YSMN) was recognized as a Great Place to Work® for the fifth year in a row. For candidates considering a career move, that’s more than a milestone. It’s proof that this is a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow.

What Makes a Workplace Truly Great?

While every team member has their own definition of what makes a job fulfilling, the Great Place to Work® survey highlights a few universal themes:

Trust: Team members want to feel confident in their leaders and colleagues.

Inclusion: A workplace where diverse voices are respected and celebrated.

Growth Opportunities: Access to training, mentorship, and mobility across roles.

Meaningful Work: The chance to contribute to something bigger than yourself.

For candidates, these are guideposts worth keeping in mind. When evaluating potential employers, look beyond job descriptions and salaries, and ask yourself whether the culture aligns with your long-term goals and values.

How San Manuel Embodies These Qualities

At San Manuel, these values aren’t just talked about – they’re lived out every day.

Team Member Pride in Service: With over 7,500 team members, San Manuel’s culture thrives on the passion and dedication of its people. Whether delivering five-diamond guest service at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino or supporting Tribal Government operations, team members share a commitment to excellence.

Recognition for Guest Experience: Yaamava’ is the only casino resort with the AAA Five Diamond designation and has been named #1 Best Casino Outside of Las Vegas by USA Today’s 10Best. These awards are fueled not by buildings or branding, but by team members who elevate the guest experience every day.

Connection to Community: Team members also take pride in being part of something larger than themselves. Rooted in the Serrano value of Yawa’ (to act on one’s beliefs), San Manuel invests deeply in philanthropy, contributing more than $425 million to charitable organizations since 2002. For employees, this means that their daily work connects back to meaningful community impact.

What Candidates Can Learn From This Recognition

Use San Manuel’s recognition as a model of what to look for when evaluating employers.

Here are a few questions you might ask in your next interview to uncover whether an enterprise will truly support you:

On Growth: “How does your company invest in team member development and training?”

On Culture: “What steps do you take to make sure all team members feel included and valued?”

On Purpose: “How does this role connect to the company’s larger mission or community impact?”

On Recognition: “In what ways are team member contributions celebrated here?”

These kinds of questions don’t just show that you’ve done your homework, they help you determine whether the enterprise will be a place where you can thrive.

A Model of Purpose and Opportunity

As San Manuel celebrates five years of being a certified Great Place to Work®, one message is clear: greatness comes from people. It comes from the team members who bring energy, pride, and care to every shift, and from leadership that invests in their success.

Your next step? Explore open opportunities, ask the right questions, and picture yourself in a workplace where your strengths and passions are not just recognized, but celebrated.

Because at San Manuel, you don’t just work – you belong.

Explore open roles today at sanmanuelcareers.com and discover where your skills can take you.