Are you about to head to your next job interview? Finding a purposeful career is something, that has been on the mind of many people specially after the pandemic. Job searcher are not going for any job, they are looking for a position that fits their values, career path and lifestyle. But how can you find a company culture and which questions do you need to ask?

In this blog post, we share our top 3 questions we ask companies to understand their corporate culture!

It is not about what they say

Nowadays, many companies have a value statement posted on their website. However, do they really live up to these statements? Before you go into an interview, ask yourself how you can find out if they do. Thus, there are simple steps you can take to prepare yourself.

Start by investigating their company website and note down their values. Scroll through their website and check, if you can find any evidence that they showcase their values. For example, if they claim to put their employee first, are they giving them the space to shine? What about diversity, is it just a statement or are their teams really as diverse as they say?

With this investigation, you prepare yourself for not only asking the right questions to identify the company culture, but also be able to evaluate, if their answers are true or just a standard answer.

Walk the talk

Now that you have done your homework, let us share our top three question we ask to get a glimps at their culture. Ready? So here comes question 1:

Who is your super hero?

Sounds strange? Of course, you are not applying for a job at Universal Studios. However, it gives a lot away about the company, if they even can think of anyone. If they can identify someone who they admire, and give you some more insigths about why she or he is a super hero, you will understand what the company really values! Is it the one person who makes the highest sales number or the someone who empowers others to do better?

Lets have a look at the next question. What could you ask to understand, if a company considers equality on management level as important?

Who did you promote last and why?

The answer to this question might be easy. However, you need to look out if it really reflects their values. For example, if the company values diversity, what were the key cirteria to promote someone. Was it the reasons of outperforming others, or was it because she or he brought innovative ideas to the table.

Finally, we get the last question. With this question, we want to get an inside out view.

What would you tell a friend about the company?

Of course anyone will tell you only the best about their companies. Moreover, the important aspect is not how, but what they point out. Do they mention the salary and benefits? Or rather talk about great teamwork? What do they not mention? It says a lot about a companies how their employee talk about the company.

Take a step back

It is time to take a step back and consider the answers. Take out your notes you made before you went to the interview and compare the statements. Do you feel the answers are matching the values they hightlighted during the interview? Are you missing anythign they stated to be important? At this piont, it is important not to rush into a decision because you might get a higher salary or a promotion. Make sure you understand the companies culture and align with it. Because, if you can find an environment that values you as an employee, you get the opportuntiy to thrive and develop a successful career.

Want to learn more about how we identify the coproate culture values? Check out the TechFace Company Profiles and learn more about companies we work with!