Uncover the Hidden Truth About a Company’s Culture
When searching for a job, it’s essential to look beyond the surface level of a company’s mission statement. You spend a significant amount of time at work, so understanding the office culture is crucial. An interview is your chance to dig deeper and decide if the company is the right fit for you.
Go Beyond the Surface
We’ve all been guilty of asking generic questions during job interviews, only to receive rehearsed responses. To get thoughtful, unique answers, you need to ask purposeful questions. Using phrases like “explain,” “describe,” and “tell me” can lead to more detailed answers.
9 Questions to Uncover the Hidden Truth
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A Day in the Life: Explain a typical day in the office. This will give you insight into the exciting and mundane aspects of the job.
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Lunch Break Insights: Describe how you spend your lunch hour. This casual question can reveal a lot about the office culture.
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Time Management: What percentage of time does someone in this position spend on [insert responsibility]? This clarification can make a huge difference in how you feel about the position.
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Team Dynamics: Explain what team collaboration looks like here. It’s essential to understand how the team works together.
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Living Up to Values: On your website, it says you value [insert value]. Tell me more about how that plays out. This question can help you determine if the company truly upholds its values.
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The Not-So-Good Stuff: Describe the most challenging aspect of working here. This question can reveal more about the company’s culture than asking about the best part of working there.
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Staff Meeting Insights: Walk me through a regular staff meeting. This can give you an idea of the company’s culture and communication style.
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Supervision Style: Describe your personal supervision style. This is crucial to understand before accepting a job offer.
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Under Pressure: Tell me about a time when something didn’t go as planned. How did the team respond? This question can give you a realistic idea of how the organization functions under stress.
Invest in Your Job Search
Asking creative questions can help you determine if the company is somewhere you can thrive and grow as a professional. It’s essential to invest time in understanding the company culture to avoid ending up in a job that’s not a good fit. By asking the right questions, you’ll be rewarded in your job search and find a company that aligns with your values and goals.
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