Uncovering what a "great culture" really means to a company

I ran a poll last week asking “What is most important to you when you think of corporate culture”?

“What is your culture like” will only evoke the baseline, buzz-word filled response from recruiters. In this guide, we will unravel the most critical culture questions you should be asking your potential employers, and the ones they should be asking you! So, let's dive right in.

Work-life balance is a topic that has been gaining a lot of traction, especially in recent years. It is a crucial aspect of any job and significantly impacts employee satisfaction. But, how do you gauge a company's stance on work-life balance during an interview, and based on the specific role you’re applying for? Here are a few questions you could ask:

• Please share with me the typical travel requirements for this team?

• What are the company's policies on flexible working hours or remote work?

• What is the company’s philosophy around mental-health and time off?

A company's leadership philosophy greatly influences its culture and the way it operates. It’s safe to say that when a company starts out, the C-Level will hire specifically, pointedly and well-matched to their own personal values and mission. As a company scales, it’s not as safe to assume that the hiring manager you’re interviewing with operates the way the company advertises. A good leader should inspire and motivate their team and support your professional growth and performance. Here are some questions to help you understand an organization's leadership philosophy, as well as the specific leader’s:

• What were the compelling factors for you to join the company?

• Under your leadership, throughout your career, how many members of your team have been promoted?

• How do you personally encourage personal and professional growth on your team?

Understanding a company's stance on upward mobility can give you an idea of the progression opportunities available. It can also indicate whether the company values promoting from within. Here are a few questions to ask:

• What opportunities for advancement exist within the company?

• What does the typical career path for this role look like in the company?

• How does the company support employee development and career growth?

Benefits and perks can be a deciding factor for many when it comes to choosing a job. They contribute to job satisfaction and can significantly impact your overall experience with a company. Benefits are more important to people with different insurance needs for personal or family. This can be a make or break.

• Do you have a benefits one-pager that lists the insurance plans, investment opportunities, etc that you can share with me?

• Does the company offer health insurance, retirement plans, or bonuses?

• Are there any unique perks that set the company apart from others?

Now that we've covered what you should be asking your potential employers, let's flip the script. What should employers be asking prospective employees? Here are a few questions that can help employers assess if a candidate aligns with their company culture:

• How do you define a good work-life balance?

• What type of leadership style do you thrive under?

• What are your career aspirations and how do you plan to achieve them?

• What are you not getting in your current role today that you’re seeking in this one?

Hope this guide adds value to your job-seeking journey. Remember, asking the right questions can make all the difference. Happy hunting!

That’s all for this week.
Happy Hunting!

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