When you’re conducting your IT job search, company culture should be a top consideration. You want to know ahead of time whether or not you’ll be able to thrive within an organization’s culture, and this goes for both permanent and contract positions. Culture plays an integral part in your happiness and long-term success as a permanent employee, and a great IT culture fit could also turn into a permanent opportunity if you’re a contractor.
Ask Your IT Recruiter for Insider Information
Recruiters have relationships with the organizations they support, making them an excellent resource for insider information. If you’re working with an IT recruiter, be sure to ask them about the culture of the organization to which they’re submitting your resume. Also, be honest with the recruiter about what works and does not work for you regarding the company’s culture, so you don’t waste time interviewing with an organization that isn’t a fit.
Know the Right Questions to Ask to Determine Company Culture
Asking a general question about company culture during your tech interview leaves room for a canned response based on what the interviewer thinks you want to hear. Instead, consider what’s important to you when it comes to culture, and make a list of questions specific to those items. The following questions are a good place to start to help you understand a company’s culture during your interview.
How does your organization reward successes?
The answer to this question will let you know if you’ll be just another cog in the wheel or if your contributions will be recognized and rewarded.
How does your organization handle perceived failures?
Many of us want to work with organizations that encourage smart, calculated risk-taking. When risks are taken, some failures are inevitable. The answer to this question will provide insight into whether or not such failures are used as a learning opportunity for growth or are looked down upon.
How does your company invest in your employees’ development?
Beyond education reimbursement and IT professional membership dues being covered, it’s good to know if an organization places value on continuing education and employee development if it’s important to you. Does the organization permit time for you to partake in outside training courses and host internal leadership development programs? If the answer is “yes” to these questions, it’s a good indicator that the organization appreciates employee development and understands its importance in retention.
What does the team I would be working with typically do for lunch?
The answer to this question is an indicator as to how overworked the team might be, how introverted or extroverted your coworkers might be, and if being social and taking breaks are encouraged.
What types of social activities and community involvement does your organization support?
If you like working for a company that hosts activities, such as softball games and company picnics, or offers opportunities to give back to the community, this is a great question to ask. If social activities aren’t your thing, you might also ask if it’s frowned upon if employees choose not to participate.
What percentage of employees has a flexible schedule?
If you desire a flex schedule, this question is a great way to ask about flex schedules without directly asking too soon if it’s possible for you to have one.
As you continue your IT job search, be sure to consider IT culture fit before saying “yes” to a position. By asking the right questions during your tech interview, you can avoid a disheartening mismatch in culture between you and your prospective employer.