Job hunting.

13 Comments

1. AnonymousSeptember 29,2021 at 10:35PM UTC

   I always ask "tell me about your office and work culture". Also, in this remote environment, I think you could ask about how staff engage with each other to build and maintain relationships. Good luck!

2. Jacquelyn LloydSeptember 29,2021 at 10:37PM UTC

   This is such a great question. First, I would look at the executive team - does anyone look like you? Ask about the team you would be part of and company diversity numbers. If you can see the handbook - look and see if there is a confidential arbitration clause. Do they talk about free coffee and snacks more than meaningful culture builders like development, employee resource groups, flexible scheduling, and parental leave? Do they offer hybrid or remote options? How do they create an inclusive environment? Do people at this company ever include their pronouns when they introduce themselves? How might they react if I included mine? Do they have any employee resource groups? What are they doing to make a difference there? I hope that helps! Good luck in your job search!
   How do you make people feel included in meetings? What happens when someone gets interrupted?

3. AnonymousSeptember 29,2021 at 11:47PM UTC

   I hope you find what you are looking for. I think MANY of us are searching for the same thing, but end up doing the best we can for our current situation

4. NataliaSeptember 29,2021 at 11:58PM UTC

   Ask them what is the work culture like there? What do they like most about working there? - I've asked these with the recruiter & in a couple instances I threw them off, this was kind of a red flag for me. Bc if they truly had a good culture or enjoyed their job they would have no problem answering. This also let's them know what you care about. If interviewing with the hiring manager ask them what is their management style - this will give you insight. And even though most interviews are phone or video, tone & body language can tell you a lot.

5. AnonymousSeptember 30,2021 at 12:03AM UTC

   It's really hard to find the right culture. Everyone is going to say it's great.

   Questions below will offer me insight into what a company culture is really like?

   - What in the business gets prioritized and why?
   - What type of behaviors are rewarded and why?
   - How are disagreements resolved?
   - What drives decision-making in the business?
   - Describe how cross functional teams operate?

6. AnxhelaSeptember 30,2021 at 1:21AM UTC

   Great advice Elizabeth!

7. AnonymousSeptember 30,2021 at 2:29AM UTC

   Reading interviewers in person would be the #1 best way. Ask about how they accomplish a work life balance, what are their personal top 3 values as managers. What challenges does the team currently face, what are top 3 things they love about their current team dynamic. Keep things at the team level and individual level. You're not looking for "company speak". You are an empath. Use it

   Any questions that bring them to a personal take in the answer.

   As an empath these are the types of questions that are telling not only in answers but in their energy. Pay close attention to this and you'll get a good sense of whether or not they are honest, authentic and happy.

   If they are as individuals, they will be as coworkers. A company doesn't generally attract great people unless it's great at its core.

8. AnonymousSeptember 30,2021 at 1:36PM UTC

   I too am an empath but I'm also excellent at reading a room in an instant. What I always do is keep things focused on the energy and joy people exude.

   I agree that if the majority of people are joyful and centered the culture is very enjoyable. I pick up on human connections in an instant just by opening introductions and pleasantries.

   My empath abilities paint an immediate picture so as far as culture goes it is never ever what people say ie obvious office politics. It's the energy of the people I speak with that I immediately pick up on.

   A true empath has developed a way to process this impression and translate whether it is a place of comfort. If your looking for clues in verbal content then you're not using empath talent.

9. AnonymousSeptember 30,2021 at 6:39PM UTC

   I work in a culture that political, cut throat. People gossip. When someone makes a mistake, they just won’t let it go.

   I can moderate myself. But I think I just don’t belong in this kind of environment. I hold myself to a standard of respect. And I feel I don’t get that in return and I don’t like watching my colleagues do the same.

   What to do?

10. AnonymousSeptember 30,2021 at 7:07PM UTC

    How did you wind up in an environment so counter to what you value?

    What to do is insulate yourself while you follow the advice in these comments and focus on your discerning abilities to find a healthier place to work.

11. AnonymousOctober 1,2021 at 8:22PM UTC

    My last culture was too personal. They asked deeply personal questions about relationships. I wanted something different. But I suppose I over-rotated.

12. AnonymousOctober 1,2021 at 8:45PM UTC

    If you are truly an empath you'll need to pay closer attention to energy and try and "feel" your next environment and group dynamics to gather the proper read on the team. Don't rely on what is said in words.

13. AnonymousOctober 2,2021 at 8:00PM UTC

    “If you are really” … A bit of an odd comment.