Nouman Khan

Finding a company culture that fits you There is more to finding a fantastic job than simply being good at interviews. In order to be offered the contract and the paycheck that goes with it, you not only have to impress the person interviewing you, but also decide whether you think you will be a good fit with the company’s general ethos. Working somewhere that you do not feel comfortable can make any job more stressful and less enjoyable than it should be, and will, over time make you feel as though you are not valued by your employers. So, take the opportunity that a job interview provides you to get a feel for the rest of the employees and the general atmosphere in the office. Interviewers can often tell when someone will fit well into the office, and this is frequently used to decide between two equally well-qualified candidates. It is unlikely that you will encounter a work environment where you totally agree with everything that goes on, but you should be able to find one where you can work comfortably. Observe everything Listen carefully to the way the interviewer is speaking. Are they respectful or dismissive towards you? How do they treat other employees in the office? Does the interview run to schedule and have they prepared in advance? Are there any phrases being used frequently? Ask anything that is on your mind Interviews aren’t just for the company to ask you questions; feel free to ask anything for which you would like an answer. You might want to know about rewarding employee achievements, their code of ethics, or how they would feel about continuing professional development on your part. In interviews, you will frequently be asked to describe yourself in three or five words. Turn this around and ask them to describe the company or department in the same way. Enquire about the management style in the office you will be working in, and perhaps ask to meet some of your potential colleagues. After all, there is a possibility you will be spending every day with these people for the foreseeable future. Don’t be afraid to say no If you’ve looked around the office, spoken to a few people and you just don’t feel as though you would be a good fit, don’t worry about turning the job down. It is far better to attend several interviews and find somewhere you and the employer will both be happy, than to succumb to pressure, take the first job that is offered and risk developing stress and depression from being in an environment that does not suit you. Yes, you are being assessed for your suitability at a job interview; the purpose of it is to judge your skills and abilities. However, it is also your opportunity to find out whether you would be a good fit with the company and they with you. Make sure you ask enough questions to make your decision, and speak to other people who work there. This should give you a more accurate impression of the overall company, and what it is like to work there.