Use Your Interview to Check Out the Companys Culture

Use Your Interview to Check Out the Companys Culture Guest Post By Mark Feffer When talking to a prospective employer, youre obviously thinking about how the jobs pay and benefits align with your skills and experience. But at the same time, you should be considering how well youll fit into the companys culture. After all, youre going to spend an awful lot of time at work, and whether the environment matches your approach and personality will have a lot to do with whether you succeedâ€"or dont. The interview offers a prime opportunity to get a sense of the employers culture. Its simply a question of paying attention to your surroundings and how people treat youâ€"and each otherâ€"during your visit. Here are some things to look for: Saying Hello They say first impressions count. When you entered the office, how were you treated? If there wasnt a receptionist, did you stand around for a while before anyone noticed you, or did someone greet you and offer you a chair and a cup of coffee? Were they friendly while they did it, or did you feel like a distraction? How people respond to visitors provides a good indication of whether the companys looking to build a team or simply get a body in the door. Whats the Buzz? As youre walking through the office, pay attention to the noise level. Its always interesting to notice whether people are talking to their coworkers or are simply intent on their screens. If theyre conferring at a desk, in the hallway, or in a conference room, observe their body language and energy levels. Youll be able to tell if people are engaged in their conversations and relaxed in their interactions. The question to ask yourself: Is this the kind of environment I want to work in? The Break Room If youre offered coffee or water, take the opportunity to check out whats going on in the break room. If people there are formal and dont talk very much with their coworkers, that hints at a culture where relationships arent very important. Or, workers may feel they dont have even a minute to spend away from their desks. Take note of the layout too. A room without tables hints at a company thats more interested in having you stay at your desk than allowing you to catch your breath occasionally. Tables, sofas, easy chairs, and a television indicate the firm recognizes that people need to clear their heads every once in awhile, and that socializing with your coworkers can be a good thing. Cube Sweet Cube Engaged people tend to nest. If the cubicles have bare walls and desks empty of family pictures, thats a sign people come to this office because they have toâ€"not because they want to. When people take the time to personalize their workspace, it means theyre vested in being there. Look and Listen You can tell a lot about a companys culture by observing how people interact with their coworkers. Every time youre introduced to someone, take note of whether theyre cordial or formal, whether theyre relaxed or seem to be on stage while theyre talking to you or their colleagues. Easy conversation is a good sign that people work well together. Ask Questions Finally, dont be afraid to ask questions about the workplace and the culture. Inquiring about what type of culture the company tries to maintain, whether a workplace is always so quiet (or raucous), and what managers do to foster a commitment to the corporate mission can help you to get a sense of what its like to work somewhere day-to-day. Interviewing is a two-way street: Its as much about you checking out the employer as it is the employer evaluating you. Use your time visiting the company to get a sense of what the workplace is really like. The job might feel like a perfect fit, but its tough to perform in an environment that doesnt match your personality. Mark Feffer has written, edited, and produced hundreds of articles on careers, personal finance, and technology. His work has appeared on Dice.com, Entrepreneur.com, as well as on other top sites. He is currently writing for JobsinRI.com, the top local resource for job seekers, employers, and recruiters in Rhode Island.