One of the most crucial steps when seeking to join a company is thoroughly understanding the organization you are applying to. 🔍
Preparation is fundamental, and knowing how to question a recruiter is crucial. I have divided this series into three articles covering the main topics for this journey:
Understanding Company & Products: In the first part, we will study the company and its products. Available.
Strategy: Here, we will dive into the company's strategy, understanding its future and positioning. Available.
Culture and Key Interview Questions: Finally, we will analyze the company's culture and raise some key questions to ask during the selection process. 📅 January 3rd
Stay tuned to your email 📬 in the coming weeks, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions or suggestions.
Culture
Ah, the culture.
It's easy for many people, especially candidates, to focus so much on the product and strategy that they forget it's the people who form the company and, consequently, determine how their products will be.
Understanding the company's culture is crucial, especially for you as an individual. Consider that you'll be working in this company every week, and if the culture doesn't align with your expectations, you'll be in that context daily.
Culture
What is the company's culture? The company's job pages may mention this, but that information will be biased toward the image they want to project.
Look for reports from candidates, and current, and former employees about the work environment (Glassdoor is very helpful in this step).
Values & History
What does the company value? This includes anything that is important to them, explicitly or implicitly.
How long has the company been around? How did it start? Has it been following its initial mission or undergone significant changes?
Key People
Who founded the company? What was their experience before?
If it's a startup, who funded it? Are there well-known figures in the company? Consider how the background of founders and key people affects the company.
Organization
How big is the company? How is it organized?
Does everyone report directly to the CEO, or is there a strict hierarchy?
Employee Engagement
Explore the company's efforts to foster a positive workplace culture and ensure high levels of employee engagement.
How does the company attract and retain talent, and what initiatives are in place to promote a collaborative and inclusive work environment?
Employee Development Programs
Assess the company's investment in employee development.
Are there training programs, mentorship opportunities, or initiatives aimed at continuous learning and skill enhancement?
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Practices
Examine the company's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. What steps is the company taking to create a diverse workforce, and how is it fostering an inclusive culture?
Work-Life Balance Initiatives
Consider the company's approach to work-life balance. Are there flexible work arrangements, wellness programs, or policies that prioritize employee well-being?
This information aims not just to impress the interviewer, but to truly understand the company you will be joining. Make sure the company is a good fit for you as well.
Some questions for the interview
With all the research done, it's prudent to enter an interview prepared with questions to ask. Most interviewers will offer the opportunity to ask questions, and avoiding the discomfort of awkward silence is important.
Future and Changes
Ask about changes in the organization's strategy and future. “Where do you see the company going in five years?” shows an interest in understanding the company's vision for the next years.
Technology Stack
Seek to understand the technologies adopted by the company. Inquire about the tools, frameworks, and engineering principles applied. This kind of in-depth knowledge can be precious in technical roles, demonstrating a profound understanding of the vacancy's context you are seeking.
In addition to these types of questions, some are generally effective in many interviews:
Describe a typical day in your professional routine.
What would make someone the ideal candidate for the position?
What is your favorite part of working here?
What do you consider most challenging about working here?
Another point is to avoid certain types of questions.
Obvious Ones
Don't ask questions with obvious answers, suggesting lack of preparation, such as:
“What is the monetization strategy?”
“What products are available today?”
Critiques
Avoid negative questions or ones that may seem challenging. For example:
“Why didn't you do _____?” can be perceived as negative.
If you're concerned about the impact of a question, it's always possible to address it after receiving an offer.
Conclusion
In the pursuit of professional opportunities, the crucial step of thoroughly understanding the company for which you are applying proves to be vital.
By dedicating yourself to understanding the products, strategies, and culture of the company, you will not only prepare for interviews more effectively but also demonstrate genuine commitment.
Corporate culture, often overlooked, contributes to an informed choice aligned with individual goals. Understanding values, history, key people, and organizational dynamics is essential for making an informed and promising career development choice.
I hope that by following these steps, you can not only impress interviewers but also ensure that the company is a suitable and promising choice for your career development.