Interview Tip: Know How You Will Impact Culture and Success

In today’s highly competitive job market, employers are looking for more than just experience and education. They are placing a new priority on finding employees that will fit into the company culture and make meaningful strides to impact success. As a job seeker, this places a new burden on you during the recruitment process. Company culture is a diffuse concept, and it can be a challenge to define the culture in place and assert your ability to thrive within it. That is why we have put together this list of tips to help you interview for culture and give interviewers the information they are most looking for.

Do Your Research

Don’t expect recruiters to define a company’s culture for you. It’s up to you to research the company in advance of the interview and learn as much as possible about the underlying attitudes that define the way they do business.

Finding this information can be tricky, but it’s best to look beyond financial data and hard metrics and seek out softer sources like mission statements, press releases, executive profiles, and even pictures of offices and employees. Does the company try to be laid back, or strictly professional? Do they pride themselves on innovation or reliability? Would you categorize them as traditional or progressive?

Prepare for Culture-Based Questions

Recruiters have developed strategies to gauge an applicant’s fit for the corporate culture. Recognizing these questions can help you better align your response.

• What do you like most about your current job?
• Describe your ideal work environment.
• What is your preferred role within a team?
• Do you have a preferred working style?
• How would you design an office?

Questions that don’t relate directly to your skills, experience, or schooling are meant to dig deeper into your personality. Answer honestly, but try to match up the answers you provide with what you already know about their company culture.

Ask Culture-Based Questions

Another way that you can show a recruiter that company culture is important to you and that you are interested in making a positive impact is by asking your own questions.

• What is the best part about working for this company?
• What wouldn’t I see on a tour of the office?
• Can you describe your company culture in less than five words?
• Do you ever get complaints from employees about your company culture?

Don’t belabor the point, but if you ask questions strategically, you can surreptitiously suggest information about yourself and your priorities. This is a subtle but effective way to impress a recruiter.

Most applicants struggle with the first tip – accurately and specifically defining a company’s culture. If you need help with this, or any part of your job search, work with the staffing experts at INSPYR Solutions.