5 Tips for Evaluating Company Culture in Job Interviews (with sample questions for getting the information you need)
There are several things you should consider when evaluating whether a job is a good match for you. Sure, you need to determine if the compensation package meets your expectations, if it’s the right next career step, and if your future manager is someone you think you’d mesh well with.
But there’s another important factor that will have a big impact on your experience and satisfaction in that role: the work environment.
Here are five tips to help you understand and evaluate a company’s culture before you accept an offer—even if you’re interviewing remotely.
1. Know What You’re Looking For
You probably have a list of must-haves you’re searching for in your next position. It should include not only the nuts and bolts like pay and benefits, but also the values you want the company to prioritize and the cultural aspects that resonate with you.
2. Do Some Independent Research
Once you know what specific cultural elements you want an employer to possess, it’s time to put your detective hat on. Dig into their website and blog. Look at social media to see how they interact with customers or stakeholders. Do they respond promptly and respectfully? Do they share content from their employees? Does their overall voice and tone align with what you’re looking for?
Websites like Glassdoor that invite employee reviews can be a mixed bag. Unhappy employees are more likely to post on those sites, so take them with a grain of salt.
3. Talk to Current or Former Employees
Nobody has better insight into a company’s culture than current and former employees. Talking with them can give you revealing behind-the-scenes knowledge.
Use websites like LinkedIn to search for them. See if you can find any who are directly connected to your 1st level connections and ask them if they can make an introduction.
4. Ask the Right Questions
At the end of a job interview, you will usually have an opportunity to ask questions. Avoid the generic ones like, “Tell me about your company culture.” They’re likely to produce scripted responses. See below for a list of insightful questions to ask.
5. Use the Hiring Process as an Indicator
The way employers handle the hiring process can be particularly revealing. It’s a direct reflection of their values and approach to work. Your experience during this time should feel well-planned, professional, and respectful.
Evaluate how they communicate with you. Do they respond promptly to questions? Are you receiving messages from them at all hours (not a good indicator of work-life balance)? Do they ask insightful questions during interviews and seem genuinely interested in what you have to say?
Your experience during this time will indicate what it’s like to work there.
Questions for Assessing Organizational Culture
Questions to ask your potential manager:
How would your team describe your directing and delegation style?
What is the culture of the team? How did you intentionally shape its culture?
What is your approach and frequency to providing performance feedback?
What challenges did you and your team face during the pandemic? How were they addressed?
What challenges has the team experienced? How did you lead them through?
How do you communicate expectations to the team to ensure they are met?
How do you foster collaboration between the members of your team? (Especially important if you’ll be working remotely or in a hybrid situation)
What would my onboarding and training be like if I joined the team?
Can you tell me a bit more about the team I might work with if I join the company?
How would you describe your management style?
What personal traits does the organization value most? What do you value most in the people who work for you?
What are the organization’s core values? How are they modeled and how do you address the challenge of doing so with people working remotely?
Does the organization host all-company events or smaller in-person social events so people have the opportunity to connect in-person?
How does the company support professional development?
What opportunities exist for advancement?
Questions to ask prospective team members:
How would you describe your manager's management style?
What personal traits are important for success here?
How would you describe the culture of the organization? Of your department?
What were the most important challenges the team faced during the pandemic?
What are the most significant challenges the team is facing right now?
If people are still working remotely, how do you stay connected with other members of your team? How does your manager foster collaboration and connection?
What makes this team strong?
What do you like about working for this organization?
What does the organization value most in its people?
How strongly does the organization encourage professional development?
What opportunities exist for advancement?
Questions for evaluating remote work opportunities:
What’s a typical day like in the life of a remote worker?
What technology has the company invested in to keep people connected and working together effectively? How do they use them?
Do you have strategies or policies in place to ensure remote employees occasionally get together in person?
Does being remote impact opportunities for advancement?
Ask for examples of the company’s values regarding remote employees in action.
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