How to understand a company's culture

As you begin your search for your dream job, one crucial aspect that is often overlooked is understanding the culture of the company you are interviewing for. Culture plays a vital role in your job satisfaction and long-term success within an organisation. To really understand what it's like to work for a company, you need to ask the right questions.

Can you describe a day at the office?

To get an idea of what day-to-day life is like, ask this question. It encourages the interviewer to give an insight into what makes the office unique and how it aligns with the company's values and working atmosphere.

What is in place to promote diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)?

If diversity and inclusion are important to you (and they should be in today's world), find out about the company's commitment to DEI. Find out about its strategies, from hiring practices to ongoing training, for fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment.

Do you organise team social activities?

While this may not be the most common question, it can tell you a lot about how the company fosters cohesion and communication within the team. Ask about recent events and their objectives to assess the importance of staff socialising.

How do you reward and recognise good work?

Beyond the benefits and remuneration mentioned in the job description, understanding how the company recognises outstanding contributions gives valuable insight into its values. Organisations have different ways of showing their appreciation, whether through events, rewards or financial compensation. Specific examples provide a better understanding of the company's culture.

How does the company react to crises or major challenges?

This question highlights the company's resilience, its ability to solve problems and its approach to adversity. The answer may reveal important aspects of the company's culture and its commitment to overcoming obstacles.

To fully understand it, you need to look beyond the surface and ask the right questions during your interview. These questions will not only give you valuable information about the company's values and working environment, but will also show that you really want to be part of its culture. So don't be afraid to ask questions, because it's essential to understand the company's culture if you are to find the one that best matches your professional aspirations and personal fulfilment.