Examine The Working Environment During Job Interview

A big part of that job satisfaction is a good work and a good work culture. Read how to get an important insight among colleagues where you are seeking work.

When going out on the labor market is the fast thinking that one is in a praying position where to sell themselves, and that one's fate entirely located in the employer's hands.

Basically, this is so far not too far from the real situation, but it is important to consider during the interview process if this is a job you really want, and this is a job where you will be able to thrive. This is after all something that will largely define how your life will be in the future, then this is of course something you should be aware of when choosing a new job.

The well-being will partly be defined by the environment among the employees in the workplace. Therefore Liz Seasholtz, editor in wetfeet.com, wrote a blog post where she has focused on how to create a picture of the work and office culture at a future workplace.

To assess the working environment can be difficult because this is unspoken routines and habits - just a general feeling or "way of life" in the workplace. Just as national, local or ethnic culture, workplace culture with many elements. This includes laws, language, fashion, government, humor, power relations, conventions and conflict management processes. For example, wearing high heels versus going with sandals be part of the corporate culture, or eating lunch as a group every day instead of alone on the desktop. Another more serious part of corporate culture can be about the management involved in employee disputes, as opposed to leaving the staff to solve them on their own.

Often the most entertaining (or hated) part of the job being culture and environment between employees. But unlike wages or jobs, a corporate culture can be very difficult to influence. The best is of course to seek jobs with a culture you already know will fit your needs.

If you are observant, there are some ways to assess the culture and working environment already during the interview. Here are some tips on what to take into consideration:

1. When you walk through the hallways on the way to the interview room, look for how employees behave. Are they social? They talk with each other or they laugh together? They look up and smile at you, or they go quickly by with his head down? The latter could indicate that the culture is not the most friendly.

2. Look for clues during the interview. Mentions interviewer something about other staff? Is there some nice traditions on Fridays? Are there openings for flexible working? Cues like this can reveal how structured or relaxed working environment.

3. Notice what the staff and the interviewer is wearing. This often say a lot about the attitude of the formal environment in the workplace. (Or it could give you hints if you need to buy a new wardrobe.)

4. What questions will be asked during the interview? For example, if the interviewer asks about how you handle working under time pressure, it is safe to expect that it is often stressful deadlines.

5. When it is your turn to ask questions, ask the interviewer a few open questions: "What do you like best about working here?" Often, the interviewer answers reveal aspects of culture and Mijo in the workplace. If she mentions things that people, flexibility, relaxed environment, teamwork between employees and their managers, pleasant events outside working hours etc., This is a good indication that there is a good environment there.