August 23, 2004 11:34 AM

Ask questions about culture
Posted by at 11:34 AM

In Understanding the culture factor, Alan Earls suggests that candidates ask questions about culture. His suggestions are good, and I would add these during the interviewing process:

• Is there a policy on books or periodical subscriptions? (Assume the best. If the manager doesn't know, is that a problem for you?)
  
• How do you encourage collaboration?
  
• Are there company-wide events? When do they occur? (Does this company have mandatory fun?)
  
• Are there policies I should know about?
  

For me, corporate-wide initiatives can be the most problematic. I'm not fond of spending my weekends doing mandatory fun -- or mandatory charity for that matter. But it might be just the right thing for you.

Reflect on what matters to you. Ask questions in a way that assumes the company is a good fit and that you are looking for confirmation.
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