₦airaland Forum

Curious About A Company's Culture? 6 Questions To Ask In An Interview


By Meghan Rabbitt

After hours spent meticulously fine-tuning your cover letter and résumé, you’ve finally scored an elusive interview with the employer of your dreams.
At least, that’s what you think.
In our eagerness to impress hiring managers and potential future bosses, many of us come fully prepared to sell ourselves in a job interview—but neglect to ask key questions of our own. You know, the kind that can help reveal if it really is a dream to work at a given company.

“Most of us go into an interview like we would a beauty pageant, where we sit there feeling judged,” says Suzanne Lucas, a human resources veteran and blogger at EvilHRLady.org. “And we’re O.K. with this because we have this idea that of course we’ll be happy if we’re offered the job. But learning about an organization’s culture is so important because you’ll only be happy—and thrive—at a company if it fits.”


When it comes to learning more about a company’s office culture, we’re not just talking about free-flowing snacks and whether or not you can bring Fido to work on Fridays, either. It’s about much more than that—like whether the management team values all staffers’ opinions as well as fosters communication among coworkers.
And while you could come right out and ask your interviewer what the company’s culture is like, experts say you’ll get more honest and less-canned responses if you pose subtle questions—like these six asks.
Culture Question #1: What’s the difference between a good employee in this role and a fantastic one?
Lucas loves this question because it’s a covert way to get a glimpse into whether a company’s core values, like innovation or creativity, are aligned with yours. “Most jobs can be done 100 different ways, but a company’s culture—or even a specific department’s culture—often dictates what’s important,” she says.
So what should you hear? Answers that involve working well with others, being a great communicator and being an effective leader.
As for red-flag responses to watch out for, be wary if an interviewer mentions traits that sound like unattainable personal victories—such as winning a lot of awards and being chummy with the C.E.O.—or the ability to exceed results-driven expectations at all times.

Culture Question #2: What’s the process for on-boarding employees, and how do you handle beginner mistakes?

Asking about the kind of support that’s provided to new employees can give you a sense of the organization’s commitment to helping the workforce grow and learn.
If your interviewer doesn’t really tackle the latter part of the question, follow up with something along the lines of, “what is the process for managing an employee who makes a mistake?”
“If your interviewer says that rookie mistakes happen to the best employees, and everyone at all levels of the organization is coached on how 
to improve and learn, it indicates that the company’s culture is supportive and encourages professional development,” says Nicki Morris, a Toronto-based business consultant and coach.
But beware of any interviewer who says something along the lines of, “Are you planning on making mistakes?” or “Well, we really hope people don’t make mistakes.”
“It indicates that the company may not be supportive when it comes to learning or taking 
risks,” Morris says.


Culture Question #3: What are some ways the company focuses on team development?

According to one Gallup poll, not only do close work friendships boost employee satisfaction by 50%—but those with a best friend at work are also seven times more likely to engage fully in their job. So make sure to ask your interviewer about how the organization fosters such relationships.

“If an organization offers interesting and unique perks that encourage employees’ growth and teamwork, the person interviewing you will love to talk about them,” says Carol Cochran, the director of human resources at career site FlexJobs.com.
Maybe your interviewer will mention off-site brainstorming meetings, clubs meant to help develop employees’ skills or even the company softball team. “But if they skirt this question, that tells you a
 lot about their culture … or lack thereof,” Cochran says.



Culture Question #4: What do you love about working here—and what do you dislike?

Along with the usual questions about what your specific tasks will be, it’s a good idea to ask your interviewer a few personal questions about his role at the company.
“The catch is to really listen and try to figure out whether your interviewer gives you a rehearsed, company-spiel kind of response,” says Matthew Reischer, C.E.O. and hiring partner at LegalAdvice.com.

For example, if your interviewer says she loves running the company’s town hall meetings, where employees get regular updates on how the business is doing, it’ll show you a lot about the kind of open communication that’s valued at the company.

But if the answer is incomplete—for instance, she flatly says she’s “fulfilled” and “challenged” by her work—you might follow up with, “what are the most challenging aspects of working here?”
And keep in mind that there’s a difference between a “good” worst thing about working at a company and one that should make you raise an eyebrow. One example of a positive challenge could be a heavy workload, which is likely proof of a company’s success. But a more concerning response would be if the interviewer brings up some aspect of the management team as being a challenge.

Culture Question #5: What would your employees say are the top three reasons they love working for you?

Trying to suss out what your potential co-workers think about their work—and the manager you’ll report to—can be wonderful insight into how happy you’ll be as one of their colleagues.
Sure, it’s great that employees enjoy three weeks of vacation each year, but what you really want to hear is a sense of pride and appreciation employees feel working for the company. A good hiring manager will use this as an opportunity to humbly brag about her capabilities—and all of the ways you’ll be able to learn from her and further your own skill set and career as a result.

Not getting specific-enough answers? File that away, and then do something a little nontraditional once you have a job offer: Ask to meet some of your prospective new co-workers.

“The hiring manager is never going to tell you in an interview, ‘I’m not going to support you, I’ll yell at you for minor mistakes, and I’ll take all of the credit for your hard work,’ ” Lucas says. “So arrange a lunch with the people you’ll work with and it will start out all positive … but halfway through lunch you’ll get the whole truth.”

Culture Question #6: How does this position support the company’s mission, goals and projected success?

If you’ve done your homework and researched your potential new employer’s mission statement and future goals, you might ask this question after saying how impressed you are by the projected growth—and that you’re wondering how your role will help the company execute and succeed at those goals.

“You’ll quickly learn how the person interviewing you views your role at the company, and whether or not they believe you will be a key player,” says Jenee Kapela, a Florida-based career coach with over 10 years of experience as a hiring manager.
An encouraging response will include specific tasks and duties that give you a clear idea of whether your position is integral to the company’s success. For instance, those seemingly insignificant spreadsheets you’ll be in charge of creating might be used by the entire sales force when they’re going after new business.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/learnvest/2014/11/06/curious-about-a-companys-culture-6-questions-to-ask-in-an-interview/?utm_campaign=Forbes&utm_source=FBPAGE&utm_medium=social&utm_channel=Investing&linkId=10403201&fb_ref=Default&fb_source=message

PhockPhockMan:
Op, and whoever it may concern. Nigeria has a very rich history, of which strife and conflicts has played major role. Ranging from WILD WILD WEST to Kano, Kaduna, kafanchan, Maiduguri, Sokoto crisis, Biafra /Nigeria War, Niger Delta crisis and Sharia Riots.
Never in history has a national problem is politicized than now. Today, Gowon is being hailed for allowing Biafra to drag Giant of Africa to a three years bloody war. Obasanjo is now darling of some sort of people despite allowing small SHARIA CABAL to overwhelm him, despite being a Christian and army General.

For record purpose, bellow is the map of Nigeria in 3 three years out 9 years of GENERAL YAKUBU GOWON administration.

You have started with your pathetic snapshots and poor theories.

Descartes:
Consolation thread I guess?

Of course he should be given Award of an Exemplary Looter

Meanwhile you cowards scampered for safety on Datolee thread which exposed your falsehood you have propagated for years in attempt to market a perennial loser like Buhari

Thanks for Datolee :

In every field of human endeavour, he that is first must perpetually live in the white light of publicity.

Whoever the leadership is vested on, emulation and envy are ever at work. The reward and punishment are always the same: The reward is widespread recognition; the punishment, fierce denial and detraction.

When a man's work becomes a standard for the whole nation, it also becomes a target for the shafts of the envious few. If his work is merely mediocre, he will be left severely alone...

..but if he achieve a masterpiece, it will set a million tongues a-wagging.
Nobody will try to surpass or slander you unless your work is stamped with the seal of genious.

The leader is assailed because he is a leader, and the effort to equal him is merly added proof of that leadership.
There is nothing new in this human nature filled with envy, fear, greed, ambition, and the desire to surpass.

Tinubu truly leads, and he remains, THE LEADER!
https://www.nairaland.com/1842775/penalty-leadership-tribute-bola-ahmed

lekkie073:
I use whatsapp+. am yet to experience this

Those ticks used to confuse me until now.

Blue ticks on WhatsApp: What they really mean

By Anna Collinson

Newsbeat reporter



6 November 2014

Technology

It is a situation many of us have been in. You send an important message on WhatsApp and then eagerly wait for a reply.


One little tick appears to your message. Then two. Then nothing. Your heart sinks.

The important message has been ignored - or has it?

Up until now many users incorrectly thought the double check indicated a message had been seen.

Actually it meant that a message had been received by the handset, not its human owner.

However, WhatsApp's official website has confirmed the messaging service has a new feature, so you'll know when someone has definitely read your message.

We introduce to you, the double blue tick!

If a group of people are chatting, the two blue ticks will appear when everyone in the group has read the message.

Two grey check marks will show up when everyone has received the message.

You can also find out the time a message was delivered and read by pressing the message with the double tick - then holding it for a couple of seconds, before selecting "info".

Other messaging services already have similar types of notifications to show when someone has seen a message, like Facebook.

In 2013, instant messaging apps like Apple's iMessenger, WeChat and Viber overtook the traditional SMS text message for the first time.

Research company Informer found almost 19 billion messages were sent on chat apps in 2012, compared to 17.6 million texts.

Newsbeat has contacted WhatsApp for an official response. But we're still waiting for the double blue tick...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/29933261?ocid=socialflow_facebook

True said!
APC is taking over!

kestolove95:
guy which level?chairman to much..lets make him councilor..dats d best he can handle

Councillor is too much.
Jona is most suited for the leadership of gossiping and blabbing drunkards.

The TANoids soild their conscience and mortguaged their future. They care less about tomorrow and they dont refer to the events of the past.

Jonathan is in dire need of a sincere compliment.

Say it as it is:... We are fed up with Jonathan's leadership failures in Nigeria.

GEJ's govt is full of lies, criminals, thieves, terorists, and lazy decievers.

Insightful!

A father of eight says he wont pay for his children's college tuition. He wants them to strike out on their own, learn the meaning of hard-earnd Dollar, save up and earn scholarships.

Do you agree with his parenting philosophy?

http://insider.foxnews.com/2014/10/29/heres-why-father-wont-pay-college

sleekp1:
Bros na north wahala, when you people are ready for it to stop it will stop.. Even America can't defeat boko haram if it has tacit support amongst its populace. When you people are ready to stop it, let me know.

Don't be a fool. I'm not a northerner...and this is a NIGERIAN problem.
It might interest you to know that ISIS now operate inside the US today.

BlackTechnology:
So BH madness has not died down


So Nigerian military is still fleeing


Well its a Northern problem

How is this a northern problem?

...I hope i'm not quoting a kid, though.

kokoA:
The man no get home training. . Insulting your father's agemate in the name of politics. Smh

This speaks volume of his daftness.
Such person with an incurable instinct for hooliganism must not be allowed anyway near political power because their only mission is to steal and promote rascalism.
One can easily identify Jonathan's henchmen by such behaviours.

Power corrupts...!

NgeneUkwenu:
This is the only road linking Abia state to Akwa Ibom State.

This road is in a sorry state. It's in dire need of repaires.

Jonathan has actually made things worse in Nigeria Just when we hope thing would get better in the hands of a "fresher".
GEJ trully betrayed our confidence in his ability.

He is really in a dilema.

A thing of joy turning to sorrow and shame. This is too bad.

You cannot but preach about unity, religious tolerance, and peaceful coexistence in a highly segmented country like ours.
Question you should be asking is, what practical steps have the preachers employed to promote this doctrine, and how effective has it been?

PDP is Boko Haram!

It has never been easier to state the obvious.

Mogidi:
I knew the SW would eventually get their own "Yerima". He approved Hijab for students and nothing happened , what stops him going the whole hog of demanding a form of sharia like Yerima?

Such brand of islam is like a counter-culture. Once you get yourself in it, it gives no room for going back.
He better not bring a replica of Kano or Katsina to the SW. Political leadership is not all about good governance.

Aregbe need to tone down his islamic fanatism, abeg!

APContherun:
Aisha Jummai Alhassan (PDP, Taraba)

And the dullard is seeking to govern Taraba State.

That's pdp for you. Dont #e surprised when she gets your party's nod.

musiwa95:
My real name is Emperor Oduwa Ademusiwa, Ask anyone that knows me.

You be bini?

Nigerians have rejected Jonathan since the the day he made up his mind to uppress the people with the subsidy saga. He is sitting on borrowed time, and decieved by self-serving criminal handlers.

PhockPhockMan:
I'm not surprised that egift is a paid e-rat, because the rate at which he pursue Janjaweeeeed agenda in nairaland suggest he's struggling to impress a pay master.
I wish him "Goodluck"

Why do your PDP paymasters fail to make reference to any of the posts you litter Nairaland with? Simple: Because they lack substance and they smack of idiocy.