Interview Question Prep: “What Do You Want in a Company Culture?”

Interview Question Prep: "What Do You Want in a Company Culture?" | Future Force Personnel

Getting ready for a job interview? There are some common questions you’ll be asked, including those related to your skills, abilities, and achievements. But it’s also important to be prepared to talk about culture.

A company’s culture, in essence, is like its personality. When an employer is hiring, they want to ensure the candidate they bring on board is a fit for that culture. This is key because even with the right hard skills, if your personality doesn’t mesh well with the culture, then you likely won’t be successful on the job.

So when an employer is asking you to talk about culture – and what kind is right for you – how do you respond? Here are some tips for talking about it.

How to Answer: “What Do You Want in a Company Culture?”

Be honest

Don’t say what you think the hiring manager wants to hear. If you do get the offer and the culture isn’t a fit for you, you won’t be happy or satisfied there. So it’s best, to be honest about the kind of culture you’d like to work in.

Think about past cultures

Think about the companies you’ve been with in the past. Where did you thrive and which environments stressed you out? Why? Once you have a good idea of the kind of culture you work best in, you’ll be able to articulate your response.

Some areas to consider when talking about culture include:

  • The leadership style within the company
  • The collaborative approach a particular manager had
  • Investments in employees, such as continuing education and promotions from within
  • Being able to work individually with the autonomy to make your own decisions
  • A company’s unique mission or vision

Do some research

It’s also important to research the company, so you have a clear understanding of who they are and what they do. Check out their website and any social media profiles. Also read through online news articles. This will help you learn more about what it’s like to work there, so you can prepare a response.

Focus on one or two traits

When you’re responding, don’t go off on a tangent. Focus your answer on one or two key traits based on the information you learned. For example, if it’s clear the company invests in its people through advancement opportunities – and that’s important to you – talk about why and what you’re looking to achieve at your next employer.

Here’s an example of what to say:

“For me, what I’d like most from the company culture is a place that invests in its people. I value learning from the leaders and managers in the company and continuing to grow in terms of my skill set. When a company understands and supports employee growth and internal advancement, I get excited about that. That’s the kind of place where I want to be; where I can put my existing skills to use and gain new skills that enable me to make valuable contributions to the company.”

Do You Know What You Want in a Company Culture?

Turn to the team at Future Force, one of Miami’s award-winning office staffing agencies. We’re here for you, from start to finish, helping you find out about opportunities that are a good match for you, as well as prepare for interviews, so you ace them. You’ll find your next great job faster – one with the right culture for you – with support and assistance from our team. Search our jobs now to get started.

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