Let’s face it: We spend a lot of time at our jobs. Most people are at work 40–50 hours a week, so when you’re on the job search, you want to make sure that not only are you qualified for the position, but that you’re also a fit for the company’s culture. Here are some hints to help you determine if you’re in for the job of a lifetime or a dud.
Definitely before the interview, and perhaps before you even apply, research the company. Check out the tone of their website; the bios of other employees, if possible; and their social media presence. If you’re applying to a large company, research them on Dunn & Bradstreet and Wikipedia; for smaller companies, social media and the company website will be your major sources of information. What do you feel when you interact with the brand? Does it resonate with you?
During the interview is a great time to learn more about the company. In the initial phone interview, ask about the dress code so you’re ready for the in-person meeting. While you’re meeting with the hiring manager, ask some key questions:
The answers to these questions will provide you with some real insight into the company’s culture and help you determine if you will be a fit. Just be sure to steer clear of any questions that could be potentially volatile, such as religion and politics.
All of this information won’t be very helpful if you don’t know where you’ll best fit. During your job search, do some soul searching to identify what kind of company culture makes sense for your career goals. That knowledge and these questions will have you in a company that fits for you in no time!