Interviewing Employers
Who to Ask
There are a number of people who you can interview for intel into a company’s culture and values. Ask multiple people and look for consistency in their responses. Potential people to interview:
- interviewers
- potential new coworkers
- supervisor / administration
- TU alumni who work at the organization — search the TU LinkedIn page alumni section and filter by the organization title
- network contacts who work at the organization
What to Ask
Company Culture Questions
There is a lot to learn about a company’s culture. Here are a few examples of questions you can ask:
- How would you describe the work environment here — is the work typically collaborative or more independent?
- What’s different about working here compared to anywhere else you have worked?
- Can you tell me about the last team event you did together?
- What’s your favorite office tradition?
- If you could describe your corporate culture in three words, what would you say and why?
- What is one thing you would change about the company, if you could?
- 51 Great Questions to Ask in an Interview — The Muse
Personal Values Questions
Another tip is to use what you have determined to be your top personal values to create a list of questions you will ask during the interview. For example:
| My Top Personal Values | Interview Questions I'll Ask |
|---|---|
| Giving back to my community | “How does the company support volunteerism and giving back?” |
| My own growth and development | “Describe the organization’s training and development opportunities.” |
| Ambition = opportunities for promotion | “What is the succession plan in this department? How do people get promoted?” |
| Strong teamwork | “How do you go about building a strong team in your department?” |
| Recognition | “How do you recognize the team’s top performers?” |
Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Practices
The attached document includes a list of questions to ask employers that will help shed light on their commitment to diversity and inclusion:
Other Considerations
Notice the Way You’re Initially Received
You’re told first impressions are everything during job interviews. Notice what happens during the first minute of your interview experience.
- Does a receptionist greet you?
- Does it seem as though they've been expecting you? Or are they surprised and flustered? Or is no one around, so you linger awkwardly?
The way a company greets you can tell you a lot, so keep that in mind.
Request a Tour of the Office
Your point of contact will likely offer to show you around the office, but if he or she doesn’t, don't be afraid to ask. As you walk around, make mental notes on these specific areas:
- Have employees personalized their workspaces — or are they pretty sparse?
- How are the desks and workspaces arranged?
- How do employees treat the receptionist?
- What are the employees wearing? How are they interacting with each other?
- What do the common areas look like? The meeting rooms?
- Where are employees eating lunch? Are they eating at their desks or the break room?
Taking note of these details will help you better understand the values of the company and its employees.
How to Evaluate Responses
When evaluating responses to the questions above, ask yourself the following to reflect:
- Does the employer speak in a genuine, candid way or is it forced or rehearsed?
- Does the employer provide concrete examples? Can they recall them quickly?
- Are their values clearly exhibited throughout the organization and at ALL levels of the organization (the executive team, mid-level management or lower-level employees)?
- Does the employer speak positively overall job?
- Do the values discussed align with the values you listed as important?
- If your employer does not mention the organization’s values, ask them why? Is it because the organization’s values aren’t put into practice, encouraged or supported in their work environment?