Charlotte Grainger 
Here's how to discover the company culture that works for you
When applying for a new role, it's important to consider the “job fit” or whether your skills align with the position's requirements. But it shouldn't stop there – consider your “culture fit” or compatibility with the company's work environment too. After all, employees who feel that they belong are five times more likely to stay longer. So, how do you determine your ideal work environment… and talk about it in an interview?
First, ask yourself what your ideal job looks like
To identify what type of working environment best suits you, you must understand what your ideal workday looks like. Ask yourself the following questions:
What values and missions am I looking for in a company?
Are you looking for an ambitious organisation that's continually experimenting and innovating? How about an employer that focuses on giving back to the community or supporting the planet?
Would I prefer to work in a startup or well-established organisation?
Do you seek a role at a small company where you have the chance to build real foundations? Or, would you prefer to insert yourself in a well-established organisation where the structure and work processes are more stable?
Would I prefer to work for a large or small company?
Are you keen to work for a large company where you may only get to know the people in your department? Or, would you prefer a small company where you are likely to cross paths with everyone in the business?
Would I prefer to work for an agency or in-house?
Are you looking for a role in-house, where you can get to know the ins and outs of the company and sector, be devoted to its success and growth, and give its products and services the attention they demand? Or, does an agency role in a fast-paced environment have more appeal, as you get to work across multiple clients, projects, and industries?
What does my ideal management structure look like?
There are often two types of management structures in an organisation: flat and hierarchical.
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A flat structure usually has no middle managers and is short and wide. Communication flows in all directions, with just one or two levels of authority and responsibility. While there's more flexibility and authority in your role, progression may be limited.
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A hierarchical structure looks more like a pyramid, with directors at the top, scaling down to the base level where employees with less authority occupy the space. Communication flows from top to bottom, with multiple levels of authority and responsibility. While it might take longer to progress through the chain, there will often be a clear path ahead.
How does the company reward and value its employees?
Company culture could be central to your workplace experience. A key element of this satisfaction comes from the way you are rewarded and valued.
Consider whether the employer or hiring manager has any recognition programmes and how they invest in their employees. Think about whether they have decent health and welfare benefits or other work perks, such as travel credits, sabbaticals, flexitime, or gym passes. And no, free tea and coffee don't cut it!
What is the ideal office environment like?
Are you looking for a relaxed or a corporate environment space? Would you prefer to work independently or in a highly collaborative environment where everyone can share ideas? Corporate business wear or a casual dress code? Do you thrive in working long hours or do you value greater work-life balance? Think about what office environment would help you do your best work ‒ and avoid the opposite.
What types of people do I enjoy working with?
Do you want to work with people you can get to know and treat like family, or would you rather keep your connections at work in the workplace and maintain your focus on the job?
Next, research the organisation and its work culture
There are plenty of ways for job seekers to learn about an employer to determine its culture and type of work environment. Here are a handful of our favourites for before and during the job interview:
Learn about the company
You'll get a good feel of the company's work environment and culture by scanning through its website and social media pages. Often, employers that invest in social activities and perks for their staff will shout about it on Instagram, so don't be afraid to have a snoop.
Ask questions during the interview
The interview is not just a chance for prospective employers or hiring managers to assess you. It's also your opportunity to assess them in return. Ask questions that help you to gauge the company culture. For example, you might ask about your interviewer's favourite thing about working there or how the company values its employees.
Pay attention to the workspace
During your interview, pay attention to the working environment. Take note of the office layout, employee attire, breakout spaces, and the general vibe of the workspace. If you're given a tour of the office, this is your chance to better understand the overall workplace culture.
Look at reviews online
You can also look at employee reviews about the company. Many websites provide this service, allowing you to gain insights into what it's like to work at a business. Doing some sleuthing to find out how staff members found the workplace is a smart idea and could save you hassle later down the line. Start with a quick Google search and see what comes up.
Consider staff turnover
How long do staff tend to stay at this particular business? Is the company always advertising the same roles online? Look at ex-employees LinkedIn pages to see how long they stayed with the company. If a business has a high staff turnover, that could be a sign that there's a toxic workplace culture. Try to find out as much about this as you can before accepting a job.
How to answer questions about your ideal work environment
By this point, you probably already know what your ideal work environment is, but can you talk about it in an interview? When you're sitting face-to-face with an interviewer, you may be at a loss for words.
“What is your ideal work environment?” is a common interview question. And for that reason, it's smart to plan ahead. Here are a few tips to help you along the way:
- Show that you are flexible. If you're unsure what the workplace environment is like, you don't want to ruin your chances of success. Start by saying that you can be adaptable, depending on what the hiring manager needs.
- But be honest here. You need to be honest about the type of workplace environment that works for you. Lying at this stage is a mistake as it means actively misleading the hiring manager. If you get the job, that will definitely lead to further problems.
- Tie your answer to the workplace. You've already done your research about the business so use that information. Link your answer to the workplace at hand.
Let's take a look at a sample interview answer:
“Having worked in a range of environments, I can be adaptable depending on the business. I know that this company has a flat organisational structure and offers hybrid working. These features are actually what drew me to the position in the first place. I prefer a workplace that is collaborative and allows creativity to flourish.”
Secure a workplace that works for you
Identifying whether the work environment aligns with your career values is just as important as job fit. If you've previously worked in a place that you loved, it may be relatively easy to identify your ideal work environment. But if you haven't had this experience, don't worry. At the very least, you know what makes you unhappy at work, so you can work backwards by a process of elimination to pinpoint the right company culture for you.
Need a hand showing you're the right fit on your CV? A free CV review will help.
This article was originally written by Laura Slingo and has been updated by Charlotte Grainger.