7 Interview Questions to Uncover Corporate Culture

7 Interview Questions to Uncover Corporate Culture7 Interview Questions to Uncover Corporate CultureYou wont succeed if you think your co-workers are annoying. (Or vice versa.) So ask these questions upfront to uncover whats really going onYoure notlage the only person being vorstellungsgesprched. In fact, your perception of a company is equally as important as their perception of you.Heres the reality You cant work where you dont feel comfortable. You cant thrive where you dont feel at home. And you cant grow where you dont feel welcome.Therefore, the culture of the company youre applying for carries tremendous weight on your decision to work there.Today were going to explore seven questions to ask about corporate culture, along with an explanation of what makes them work. Consider asking a few of these on your next interview1. If you could describe your corporate culture in three words, what would you say?This question accomplishes several goals. First, its creative. That positions you as a thinker, not just another resume. Second, it challenges the interviewer to boil down the essence of their workplace in only a few words. Finally, your interviewers response isnt as important as how she responds. Watch her body language. Check her posture. And keep an eye on her facial expressions. Look for consistency between actions and words to get the true description of the culture. Because someones body never lies to you.2. If you were going to give public tours of this company, what stops would the guide make?This is another creative question to challenge your interviewer. Whats more, her answers will represent the greatest hits of the companys culture. This delivers invaluable insight into what they perceive as the leading attributes of their company. After all, you wouldnt make it a stop on the tour if it didnt symbolize a core component to the companys culture, right?3. If the local paper were going to run a four-page article about your companys culture, what woul d be impossible not to include?Creative, challenging and counterintuitive. Also positions you in a positive light, regardless of the answer. And, similar to the tour question, this allows your interviewer to put her company in the best light. The secret is, by suggesting a newspaper article it reveals the parts of the companys culture that she would want the public to know about. Transparency is key.4. Whats the best part about working in this environment that I wont be able to see from just a walk around the office?This question digs deep into the true value of working in a particular company environment. You learn the culture behind the culture, as some workplaces are quite different once youve been employed there for a few months. This might be helpful in eliciting a little candor in your interviewer about the reality youd be working in. Sometimes culture is hard to discern from a brief walkthrough or few weeks of work.5. What are the most common complaints employees make about y our company culture?Although you want to keep your interview as positive as possible, throwing a monkey wrench into the interview gears might not be a bad idea. Especially because its an unexpected question. The cool part is, by discovering the negative aspects about a company before working there, you know what to expect. Like visiting Portland during wet season (September through May) before deciding to move there. At least theres no sugar coating.6. May I speak with a few of your veteran employees or new hires?Some companies will already schedule this experience into the interview process. On the other hand, some companies will not allow you to contact existing employees. Either way, asking such a question - and, if youre lucky, getting an affirmative answer - will provide the best insight into corporate culture, as it comes from a team member himself. If you can make it happen, youll be glad you asked. Because behavior is the broadcaster of attitude, and attitude is the reflec tion of culture.7. What do you love best about the culture here?Finally, try getting personal. Find out what brings your interviewer back to work every day. Find out what prevents her from leaving the company and going somewhere else. This example is your best tool as a final question to ask toward the end of the interview. Just be sure not to ask it too early. Wait until youve created a connection and built rapport with the interviewer. That way youll be guaranteed an authentic answer.Remember Company culture is everything. You cant work where you dont fit.Ask a few of these questions on your next interview, and youll be sure to find the organization thats the right environment for you.Let me ask ya this How would you describe your ideal workplace environment?