By Sima Dahl
The job interview gets a bad rap because let’s face it -- interviewing can be stressful and exhausting.
If you’re interviewing for a new job while you still have the old one, you’ve no doubt fibbed to someone about where you’re going to be that day, or why you’re wearing a suit. Plus you wouldn’t be looking to make a move if you weren’t unhappy in some way or another.
And if you’re among the thousands who have lost their job in recent months, it can be difficult to think straight when you have the irrational yet unwavering fear that you will never find meaningful work again and be forced to move back in with your parents.
I’ve been there myself – more than once – and I’ve hired a few people too. So it is with the utmost certainty that I tell you the number one thing to remember about interviews is this: interviews are a two-way street.
The interview is your opportunity to find out two very important things:
1. Will the company give you the support you need to be successful in the role, and
2. Will you enjoy working there
To answer the first question, you’ll ask questions about what resources–budget, staff, mentors and champions–will be available to you. But the second question can be a bit trickier… how can get a good read on a company’s culture? How can you determine if you will fit in?
A good company culture can be inspiring and lead you to do your greatest work, but each of us has our own ideas on what makes a company’s culture a good fit. Here are three steps you can take to avoid culture shock on the first day of your next big gig:
1. Start online. Oftentimes companies will openly discuss their corporate culture, share vignettes about employees, or include photos from the intramural softball team or company picnic on their website. Also check the press section to see what types of news they promote – it’s a good sign if they’ve won a Great Place to Work award.
2. Next, tap your network. Use LinkedIn, Facebook or other social networks to find former employees. Be direct and ask if it is a healthy place to work, if managers are true to their word, or if office politics gets in the way of forward progress.
3. Finally, put on your interviewer hat. Ask each person who interviews you about the company’s culture and see if their answers sync up. Bonnie Reid, Marketing Director for Microsystems in Downers Grove, IL says, “If you get different answers from co-workers and management, that’s a red flag.” In very large companies, it’s helpful to speak to staff from a different department to get a feel for how the team you would be joining is perceived within the company.
Kevin Jessop, Principal and Owner of boutique market research firm Evolve in Oklahoma City, OK says that he expects candidates to ask questions. “People who ask questions are good for us. That means that a) they are trying to show they’re interested; b) curious, and c) confident in themselves.”
Jim Allen, Director of the Business Accelerator for Innovation and Collaboration in McHenry County, IL says he likes to ask potential employers and co-workers the following:
· What do you enjoy about working here?
· What traits are rewarded here? How are exceptional employees rewarded and retained?
· Describe the company's code of ethics and how it is communicated.
Simply put, if the answer is important to you, then you have to ask!
Jessop says his goal, in any interview, is to get a conversation going. “We are always looking for enthusiasm and curiosity – a candidate should be willing and able to freely ask questions.
Need I say more?
Share your thoughts or questions on interviews, company culture and any other career topic of interest with me at sima@marketingjobwire.com - let’s get the conversation started!