So youve the hit the point in your job search when youre asked to interview with a prospective employer.
Heres how to determine what an organizations values are, and whether they mesh with your own.
Culture vs. values
Whats the difference between a companys culture and their values?
A culture may celebrate innovation, but values determine what gets sacrificed in the pursuit of it.
Identify your own values
First, you have to determine which values are most important to you.
If they are infringed upon, you will feel it acutely.
A few examples include honesty, integrity, positivity, quality, service and trust.
These are typically open-ended questions that ask the interviewer to provide specific examples, she writes.
The goal is to elicit information that you might compare to your own valuesnot to ask for confirmation.
What makes them a high performer?
Who hasnt performed as well and how so?
What are promotable qualities here?
Who is someone at my level thats been recently promoted?
What qualities did they exemplify?
What behaviors are not tolerated here?
Whats a situation when these were violated?
How has your perception evolved over time?
Can you share an instance when the culture has surprised you?
Whats an example of conflict at the company around strategy or direction?
What led to the conflict?
How was it resolved?
When you were in my seat, what were you told that was helpful to doing well here?
What could you tell me that you wish youd have known?
Feel free to ask follow-up questions, including requesting specifics.
