Look Around. What Do You See.

This tip is based on an interview with Tim Bucher, founder and C.E.O. of TastingRoom.com, a wine site, conducted by Adam Bryant and appearing The New York Times, February 12, 2012. Mr. Bucher has also held executive posts at Dell, Microsoft and Apple.

Interviews are not just for the interviewer to determine if you are right for the position. You need to get a sense if the job and the organization are right for you. How do you get a feel for a company's culture? What clues can you look for?  

Tim Bucher says, "…walk the hallways…if you see people talking to one another in the hallways, and yelling over the cubicles, and going inside each other’s offices, that’s a good sign. There’s a certain buzz." You want to see how people are interacting with each other. Bucher looks for how people are working together. Is the leader walking the hallways, talking to people? Those are good signs that the company has an innovative culture. Conversely, if you see managers sitting in offices, a lot of closed doors, these could be signs of a culture where people and ideas are not nurtured.

Which of these cultures will you thrive in?

There are other things you should be observing during an interview that will help you determine if this is the right company for you.

• How are you treated while interviewing?
• What phrases do the interviewers use frequently?
• Is there a theme or unspoken tone to the questions asked?
• How does the environment feel to you?
• How prepared are the interviewers? Are they on time?
• Were you given an interview schedule?
• Were you treated like a prisoner or a guest?
• Are your responses to questions treated with suspicion or professional curiosity?
• How considerate is the company recruiter?
• What is the office space like, and can you see yourself working in it?
• Are current employees dressed professionally or business casual, or do they look like they just rolled out of bed?
• Do people have pictures, toys, and other forms of self expression in their work area?
• Do staffers have the latest technology?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the culture, and the things you are seeing and hearing. Consider things like:

• Company behavior: Do they promote from within, sponsor team lunches, encourage professional development? If the interviewer answers yes to any of these questions, ask for specific examples.
• Ask each person you meet to describe the company culture and notice if you get consistent responses.
• Ask each person you meet with how long they have been with the company.
• If you feel you haven’t met enough people, ask if there are other members of the organization you can speak to about their experience.
• What three words or phrases would you use to describe the company or department culture?
• How does the company (team) handle conflict or differing opinions?
• How does the company recognize employee accomplishments?
• Does the company have a code of ethics?
• Please describe the leadership or managerial style at your company.
• What qualities do the most successful employees in your company possess?
• What is the company's attitude toward professional and educational advancement?

Job interviews are your opportunity to evaluate how the company's culture aligns with your values. Be sure to look around and ask the questions to help you determine if the culture is the right fit for you.