COMPANY CULTURE — IS THIS ROLE THE RIGHT FIT?

When considering a new role, it’s easy to get swept up by an exciting job description, an attractive compensation package, or the opportunity to join a leading firm. However, in our experience working with candidates over the last decade, long-term job satisfaction and career success owe a lot to a less tangible factor: company culture. 

This isn’t just about office perks or team-building exercises; it’s about the shared values, beliefs, and behaviours that define how an organisation operates – and where it’s going. In this guide, we’ve put together some practical advice for assessing a potential employer’s culture during the interview process, helping you find a truly good fit.

KNOW YOURSELF: THE CRUCIAL FIRST STEP

Before you can make an accurate evaluation of how well a company’s culture suits you, you need to understand your own preferences. Write down some key points you’re looking for. What are your must-haves in terms of communication style, leadership approach, collaboration, pace, and overall work atmosphere? Similarly, what are the red flags for you in these areas?

It’s a good idea to reflect on past experiences, asking yourself: 

• What settings did I thrive in? 
• What aspects of previous company cultures led to dissatisfaction? 
• What kind of environment allows me to do my best work? 

You also need to consider your current lifestyle and where you’re at in your career. Perhaps you thrived in a fast-paced, demanding role five years ago. Now, it might not align with your priorities or work-life balance needs. Maybe you’ve started a family, and you’re looking for flexible working patterns or a more stable environment. Or your career goals have evolved, and you’d prefer a more collaborative rather than competitive company culture.

PRE-INTERVIEW: GATHERING INITIAL CLUES

You can learn a lot about company culture before you even speak to an interviewer. Review the company’s website, particularly the “About Us,” “Careers,” and “Mission/Values” sections – do they feel authentic and resonate with you? Explore their social media output to understand the image they want to present and see how employees and customers interact with them. 

Employer rating sites like Glassdoor promise transparency, but as with all online reviews, people are more likely to talk about negative experiences than positive ones, so beware of bias. Always read reviews critically, looking for recurring themes rather than isolated comments. 

When working with a specialist recruiter, you can leverage their knowledge too. If they have placed multiple candidates with a particular client, their experience and established relationships can provide a more nuanced understanding of the reality “on the ground”. And, to get the true inside track, you could even discreetly connect with current or former employees through your network (or via your recruitment partner) to gain deeper insights into what it’s actually like to work there.

THE INTERVIEW: A TWO-WAY STREET 

The interview itself is your main opportunity to discover more about a company’s culture. It’s best to approach it not just as an evaluation of your skills, but as a mutual discovery process. Remember, you’re assessing the company just as much as they are assessing you. Always stay professional, but allow your genuine personality to show. If you feel you have to be someone entirely different to “fit in,” it’s maybe not the right cultural match. 

Whether virtual or in-person, pay attention to the details. Note the atmosphere, the interviewer’s engagement, and their professionalism. If multiple interviewers are present, observe how they interact with each other – is there respect and collaboration, or noticeable tension? The overall tone of the interview process itself can also be telling. Did the interview start on time? Were you greeted warmly on arrival? Did the interviewers seem genuinely interested in meeting you?

BUILDING CONNECTION AND RAPPORT

Throughout the interview, aim for a natural, flowing conversation rather than a rigid Q&A style interaction. Finding common ground or shared interests, even briefly, can help build rapport and make the interaction more authentic for both sides.

This isn’t about becoming best friends, but about establishing a comfortable, open dialogue where genuine insights into personality, working style and company culture can emerge. A good personal connection can also make it easier to ask more probing questions on culture, allowing you to steer the conversation to the areas you most want to learn about.

GUIDING THE CONVERSATION 

When it’s your turn to ask questions, try to be strategic, moving beyond simple “what” questions. Focus on “how” and “why” to uncover the underlying cultural fabric. For example, instead of just asking “What’s your growth strategy?”, try questions like:

• Can you describe how decisions are usually made within this department?
• How is feedback, both positive and constructive, typically shared here?
• How does the company support work-life integration for employees?

Don’t hesitate to ask follow-up questions or gently guide the conversation to explore areas that are important to you. And remember to pay attention not just to what is said, but how it’s said. Note enthusiasm, hesitation, or overly generic responses. After each interview, take a few moments to jot down your impressions. How well do these observations align with the research you did before the interview? 

MAKING AN INFORMED CHOICE FOR YOUR CAREER

At Victus Search, we understand that true career satisfaction stems from finding a role where you can thrive both professionally and culturally. We partner with candidates to understand their unique values and career aspirations, connecting them with organisations where they will not just fit in, but flourish. If you’re seeking a specialist role where culture is a key consideration, contact us to explore how we can help you find your ideal match.