How to Decode a Company’s Culture During the Interview Process

By Audrey Daumain,  Global Communication Expert

Job interviews. Don’t we just love them! The job market and the power dynamics between job seekers and employers have shifted drastically since COVID-19. A recent report by LinkedIn revealed that 82% of job seekers now consider a company’s culture and values before applying. Meanwhile, a 2023 Glassdoor study found that 75% of candidates wouldn’t even accept a role at a company with a poor employer brand, regardless of the salary offered. Because I know how important this is for you— here’s your chance to do some detective work! Every question, comment, and even office tour is a clue to understanding a company’s culture.

Here’s how to crack the code and figure out if the workplace vibes works for you!

1. Start withyou

Before diving into what the company has to offer, ask yourself: What am I really looking for? Do you crave collaboration or prefer a heads-down approach? Are you someone who thrives in a fast-paced, high-energy workplace or do you need a steady, structured environment to shine? Understanding your own needs is step one, so do a quick self-assessment. Ask yourself:

• What kind of management style do I work best under?
• Do I value work-life balance or am I excited by ambitious, all-in missions?
• What behaviors or values are deal-breakers for me?

This clarity is your secret weapon when assessing whether the company culture aligns with your priorities. You can then ask the right questions! And guess what? Your detective work starts even earlier—before the actual interview. The way a company organizes the process is a sneak peek into how they operate day to day. Watch out for signs like:

• Cancelled or rescheduled meetings without clear communication.
• Vague instructions about where to go or how to prepare.
• Changing interviewers at the last minute with no explanation.
• Asking for your CV too many times.

These might signal underlying issues like disorganization or a lack of respect for employees’ time. On the flip side, even if everything is well-communicated and runs like clockwork, it’s a good sign, but you shouldn’t draw your conclusion too early!

2. Decode the vibe

From the moment you step into the interview, observe everything. Pay attention to:

• Where does the interview take place? Are being taken directly to a meeting room (professional, secrecy…) or do you have to walk through an open space? (oh we are cool, one big family). If the interview is remote, watch out for small things like their background (logo and formal or personalized for ex). You may also pay attention to how punctual and organized the process is. A haphazardly thrown-together meeting might indicate disorganization (and a future headache for you).
• How people interact: Are employees (reception, people welcoming you) chatting and smiling, or is the vibe more heads-down and serious? Either could be a positive, depending on your preferences.
• Tone of communication: Are your interviewers warm and approachable, or strictly professional? The way they talk to you may reflect their company’s general communication style.

3. Ask the right questions

Here’s where you go from passive observer to active investigator. Thoughtful questions help you dig deeper and appear professional and assertive (in all the right ways)

• “What qualities will make me successful here?”
  Their answer will reveal the behaviors and values they reward. If “initiative” or “independence” comes up, expect a less structured environment. If it’s “collaboration” or “teamwork,” prepare for lots of meetings and shared projects.
• “Can you share an example of how the company supports employee growth?”
  This question can expose how seriously they take professional development. Beware vague answers or clichés like, “We’re like a big family.” “ We will look at it as it comes” . You’re here for clear pathways!
• “Do you know your team members family status and birth dates? I like that one, you get a sense of how close people are to each other
• “How does the company celebrate success or navigate challenges?”
  A fun way to check out morale and leadership style. Do they mention specific initiatives, or is their response a bit too… corporate? Don’t hesitate to follow up with another question such as:
• If I am head to head with another candidate, what would make you pick me? This is a great way to show you are smart but realistic, ambitious but self aware.

4. Watch for flags—and see if you fit!

The interview process is more than just a back-and-forth Q&A; it’s your chance to spot clues about how this company treats its people and potentially position yourself for later opportunities. You never know where and when you will meet that person again. Never forget that.

Some signs can help you determine if the culture is a match—or a mismatch:

• Red flags: Overly vague answers about work-life balance, intrusive questions about your personal life, an unstructured interview process, or high turnover mentioned casually.
• Green flags: Enthusiastic answers, transparency about challenges, and a clear sense of their mission and values. Bonus points if employees seem genuinely proud of their work.

Just remember…. no workplace is perfect. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s alignment with you! 

Look out for the above, and trust your instincts—you’ll be equipped to make a decision that feels right for you.

Good luck & Have fun along the way!