Finding a Great Company Culture:
Company culture is built up of many elements but ultimately, it’s what distinguishes companies. Understanding a company culture is important and will have an impact on both you and the workplace. The culture defines the environment in which employees work, this includes the shared missions, values, ethics, expectations and goals.
Every company and organisation are different: some companies are strictly regulated and comply to formal management. Whereas some have a casual workplace.
Finding the right fit:
It’s important to go into an interview with the right mindset, what type of culture suits you? You can grasp ideas in an interview by understanding the company’s values in detail. For example, do you value team work, customer care and loyalty? It’s important that the company’s values match yours. If you know from the interview that you are not going to be happy working for the company, it may be better to pass on the opportunity.
Think if can you transfer your skills, experiences, personality and goals for the future into this company. It’s important to understand your life stage, are you looking for a long-term job or is it a job to get some part time work in? it’s about getting it right for your career goals.
Ask the right interview questions:
An interview is a two-way street, the ball isn’t just in the interviewer’s court. Remember to ask questions too, simply asking “How would you describe your company’s culture?”. Straightforward questions like this will allow the interviewer to give you a genuine and open response on what makes their company unique.
How did you feel when you arrived?
First impressions count, especially as the company will be somewhere you could potentially be working. When you arrived and was greeted by the receptionist was it a warm welcome? Did they put you at ease and spoke of the company positively? Are you offered any refreshments too? These are all small gestures which speak volumes.
Does everyone respect your time?
You should always respect an interviewer’s time by arriving 10 minutes early, but candidates should also be aware if interviewers respect theirs. What we mean by this is you should be greeted at your appointed start time, unless there was anything to hold them up which is understandable. If there is an apology or an explanation this shows it wasn’t done intentionally.
What did they ask you?
Pay close attention to what they ask, as this is what they will expect from you. If they are ambitious and want you to progress in your role long term, then you know you are onto a winner. If you get asked questions on what you want out of the role and what you can bring to the company, the interviewer is most likely trying to find out if you are the right fit for their company which is a good sign. However, be aware of questions that suggest this is what you will expect if you choose to accept the job. For example, do they say something like there is no room for mistakes or how do you deal with critical people? Interviewers will see how you react to questions like this.
How do you feel now you have left the interview?
Once you have left the interview, think about how you feel. Did you enjoy the interview as it was more of a discussion? Did you like the environment and the team? While there is no way you can fully understand what it is like to work for a company until you’re there, these thoughts you are having after will give you a good idea on what to expect. Think what stood out to you when you were there and how the interviewer made you feel, this is important because it will show what type of personalities you could be working with.
Every company and organisation are different: some companies are strictly regulated and comply to formal management. Whereas some have a casual workplace.
Finding the right fit:
It’s important to go into an interview with the right mindset, what type of culture suits you? You can grasp ideas in an interview by understanding the company’s values in detail. For example, do you value team work, customer care and loyalty? It’s important that the company’s values match yours. If you know from the interview that you are not going to be happy working for the company, it may be better to pass on the opportunity.
Think if can you transfer your skills, experiences, personality and goals for the future into this company. It’s important to understand your life stage, are you looking for a long-term job or is it a job to get some part time work in? it’s about getting it right for your career goals.
Ask the right interview questions:
An interview is a two-way street, the ball isn’t just in the interviewer’s court. Remember to ask questions too, simply asking “How would you describe your company’s culture?”. Straightforward questions like this will allow the interviewer to give you a genuine and open response on what makes their company unique.
How did you feel when you arrived?
First impressions count, especially as the company will be somewhere you could potentially be working. When you arrived and was greeted by the receptionist was it a warm welcome? Did they put you at ease and spoke of the company positively? Are you offered any refreshments too? These are all small gestures which speak volumes.
Does everyone respect your time?
You should always respect an interviewer’s time by arriving 10 minutes early, but candidates should also be aware if interviewers respect theirs. What we mean by this is you should be greeted at your appointed start time, unless there was anything to hold them up which is understandable. If there is an apology or an explanation this shows it wasn’t done intentionally.
What did they ask you?
Pay close attention to what they ask, as this is what they will expect from you. If they are ambitious and want you to progress in your role long term, then you know you are onto a winner. If you get asked questions on what you want out of the role and what you can bring to the company, the interviewer is most likely trying to find out if you are the right fit for their company which is a good sign. However, be aware of questions that suggest this is what you will expect if you choose to accept the job. For example, do they say something like there is no room for mistakes or how do you deal with critical people? Interviewers will see how you react to questions like this.
How do you feel now you have left the interview?
Once you have left the interview, think about how you feel. Did you enjoy the interview as it was more of a discussion? Did you like the environment and the team? While there is no way you can fully understand what it is like to work for a company until you’re there, these thoughts you are having after will give you a good idea on what to expect. Think what stood out to you when you were there and how the interviewer made you feel, this is important because it will show what type of personalities you could be working with.