Interview – a golden opportunity to determine ‘Culture Fit’ in Job Search!

It is customary for Hiring Managers to assess a candidate’s ‘culture fit’ t the time of Recruitment. This is a two-way process. The candidate also needs to know whether the Company’s values, beliefs, work practices, leadership style etc., align with her own values.

There are myriad ways of researching, to uncover this. I believe the Interview itself offers an excellent opportunity for the candidate to assess whether it’s the right job for her.

Culture, unlike hard data, is not easy to uncover. Below are some points to take into account, when gauging the ‘culture fit’ of the Company at the Interview.

• The way you are initially received at the Security as if you are expected.
• The way the Receptionist greets you warmly.
• The way others in the Company treat the Receptionist.
• The decor and warmth of the waiting area, availability of water reading material etc.
• The common areas, break out areas, Lunch Area, rest rooms etc. If possible, ask for a tour of the office, to gauge the environment.
• The arrangement of workspaces, whether they are personalised with photographs, artefacts etc.
• The Dress Code says a lot about the culture of the Company.
• How employees interact with each other.
• Evaluate the Interview Process itself.

• Are the Interviewers prepared?
• Your engagement with HR and other panellists.
• What type of interview is it?
• Stress Interview versus conversational?
• How are you treated during the interview? This is often an indicator, of what it will be like to work there.
• Did the Hiring manager come across as flexible or structured?
• Were you at ease, nodding along with the interviewer?
• Did you feel comfortable talking as if you’ve known the person for a while?
• Needless to say, you should also have prepared some thoughtful and open-ended (not Yes or No) questions to ask.
• The way the Company handles the follow-up process is also worth taking into account.

It’s important to choose a Company which is a good ‘culture fit’ for you.

Culture is a way of doing things that allow employees to thrive and grow.

Culture is to companies what products are to Marketing.