Yahoo Finance How to Spot Company Culture Problems During a Job Interview
Ah, the coveted job interview! If it's at your dream employer, even better. But what you may overlook amid your anticipation and eagerness is the fact that you're in the position to evaluate prospective employers as much as they're evaluating you. Sure, they're asking you questions and seeing if you're a fit, but it's important to ensure it's the right fit for you, too.
Many times when job seekers accept a position only to experience a sense of buyer's remorse, there were a few signs emerging during the job interview that weren't picked up.
When answering questions and building rapport during your interview, see how the interviewers communicate with each other. Do they bad-mouth each other? Are they respectful and cordial? Watch their body language -- is anyone giving someone the side eye? Yes, it can happen.
[See: 10 Tech Jobs That Make the Most Money.]
Also, as for the office itself, how's the potential commute? Does it feel like you're working in a dark dungeon without natural light? Is it loud or quiet, and which environment would you thrive in?
Do people seem genuinely happy? As you're walking the hallways, pay close attention. If your interview is at the end of the day and into the evening, are people ordering take-out assuming they'll be there several more hours? Or is the office getting empty, showing healthy signs of work-life balance?
Ask why they like working there, besides "the people." What do your interviewers like most about their job? How long have they been working there? What's turnover like; why is this position available?
In addition to observing, listening and paying close attention to body language, note what the interviewers aren't telling you. If a job description seems vague and you're asking specific questions about the role and getting even more vague answers, run -- don't walk -- to the nearest exit.
This shows the employer isn't clear on what your role will be, and without guidance on a job interview, you can only begin to imagine (and dread) the level of chaos and lack of direction once you start working there.
[See: The 8 Stages of a Winning Job Search.]
Is the company overselling you their position like it's the best thing ever while you haven't really seen results? If it's a startup and the company is new to their field, what are their plans? What are their investors putting into it -- will there be money to pay you?
Are they not selling you enough? Do they think their reputation alone will win you over? That could be a red flag, too. A name by itself doesn't necessarily mean you'll be happy working there. Are they relying on success from 10 years ago (or more) to carry weight? What's their work-life balance like? Health care plans? How do they currently compare to their competition?
How do they answer your questions? This is your opportunity to make sense of the headlines -- if they're in the process of being acquired, ask about it. If your interviewer doesn't have the answers, that's understandable, but see how they craft their answer. Are they being transparent by saying they don't know or speaking in hyperbole?
Take notes. Go with your gut. The more you interview, the more you'll feel comfortable in assessing where your new employer -- essentially your home away from home -- fits in with your goals and needs. Yes, it's a lot to evaluate during a job interview since you're focused on answering their questions, but if you view the interview as an opportunity to get a firsthand glimpse at a company, you're making an informed decision. (And if you're unable to have an office interview and instead have a video interview or phone interview, some of these cues will be absent. Seize the opportunity to ask specific questions and get answers.)
[See: 8 Ways Millennials Can Build Leadership Skills.]
And remember, if you see signs that you can't unsee (as in, your prospective boss throwing a direct report under the bus in front of you), it's fine to withdraw your candidacy. Simply tell the recruiter after the interview concludes that you're going to pursue positions elsewhere. Do it succinctly and professionally; don't overthink it. It's not an uncommon thing. It is understood a fit with the position or boss or employer is not always feasible. But, if you leave things on professional terms, you never know when a new opportunity will become available within the same company for a fit with an incredible boss.
Evaluate. Take notes. Make decisions based on what's best for you so you're in the driver's seat to find an excellent employer with your eyes wide open!
More From US News & World Report
