From your responses and queries I received
to Character and Culture Are Inextricably Linked (May 29, 2012) and Questions to Determine Fit
(May 20, 2012) understanding an organization's culture and how you, as a
potential employee, fits is top of mind in your job search. I think it should be. It's certainly top of mind to the people you
are interviewing with especially the CEO,
president and the senior leadership team.
Shawn H. Wilson president of
Usher’s New Look Foundation in his interview with Adam Bryant,
Corner Office says," I like my management team to interview potential
candidates before me, so then I will ask them, 'What have you picked up about
our culture?' I want to see if culture is important to them. I also want to see
if they understand the kind of culture I’m trying to establish. And I like to
ask them what they value in a culture. It tells me whether our culture aligns
with what they’re looking for." Wilson says, "…one bad employee can disrupt the
office."
I've made
that mistake in hiring. Wilson is right.
Early
in your career it's very common to think and act as if you are the only one
being interviewed. You are so focused on responding to questions
"correctly" that you are in danger of losing sight of your responsibility
in an interview — to ask questions so you know what you're walking into.
My advice to
clients: Stop performing. Interviewing is a dialogue; a conversation. You know
to ask questions but what questions you ask can start a conversation that
informs you about the organization's culture. Questions about the job tasks and
responsibilities, frankly, can be answered by the job description. These
are time fillers and tell the interviewer(s) you haven't done your homework. Your
questions need to dig deeper. This type of questioning comes from four sources.
The research you've done. Your
observations of the work place as you walk and look around during your
interview. From who the interviewers are and their behavior, and the behavior
of everyone else you come in contact with while you are interviewing. And from
the types of questions you've been asked.
When you stop performing you pay attention. When you pay attention you
ask insightful questions. When you ask insightful questions you know what you
are getting into.
© 2012 More Than A Resumé
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