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Culture is a difficult thing to discover in a relatively short interview, but usually I look for certain signs. Typically if I feel that the interview is more l
by kvn_95 6y ago
Culture is a difficult thing to discover in a relatively short interview, but usually I look for certain signs. Typically if I feel that the interview is more like an extended discussion instead of like being in a game show, it's usually a good sign.
It's also things around the interview itself, e.g. are you being treated respectfully, or do you feel like being just one CV among many. Do they respect your time; do they talk as an equal, or as a superior person; do they get back to you if they don't go through; and more. I find that a company that treats their applicants respectfully typically have a more agreeable culture.
Of course this is just my experience. Some game show style interview companies may turn out to have a great culture, but what I find without fail is that if you're respected as an applicant, the culture can't be that bad :)
- triyambakam 6y agoCan you explain more what you mean by "game show style"?
- kvn_95 6y agoTo me it's like a quiz style of interview, where you're up on a whiteboard trying to answer a series of rapid fire questions. There is little discussion about why you're doing what you did, only a pass/fail signified by a nod or no-nod. In contrast, a discussion style feels more like they're trying to figure out how you approach some problem, nudge you toward a solution if you're stuck (everyone usually gets stuck somewhere, especially if they have interview anxiety. I know I do), and discuss with you why you did what you did, discuss the pro/cons of some approaches, discuss alternatives, and so on. The first style is just checking if you know the answers to some list of things, while the second style is more like trying to get to know you as a person and as an engineer. The drawback of the second style is that it's more time consuming for both parties. Quite tiring as well. However, I think it's part of respecting your time and respecting you as an applicant.
- muzani 6y agoYeah, I think respectful treatment is key. The best talents can often pick from any job they like. Things like compensation for interviewing time or travel matters a lot. Or even things like keeping you updated on the interview process so that you know what the stages are, and not giving you some random 3 day project to reject you.