When you're interviewing for a job, you have a chance to see if the company is the right fit for you. The phone screen is a great opportunity for you to learn if the company culture is in alignment with the type of culture you’re seeking. You might consider researching the type of company culture you’re most interested in beforehand.

Toward the end of your interview, the hiring manager is likely to ask if you have any questions for them. Use this as your opportunity to learn more about their company culture. By asking the right questions, you can tell if this would be an environment that aligns with your working style and personality.

How would you describe the company culture?

This is a great, straightforward question to hear about how the interviewer would describe the company’s culture. Interviewers will often speak to what they like most about the culture, so it’s great to ask this question to multiple people throughout the interview process to get a holistic view of the culture.

I came across an interview with your CEO where she touched on several aspects of the company culture. What elements of the culture here do you personally like best?

Asking about company culture this way shows how you’ve researched the company and its executives. It’s a great way to display your interest in the organization.

What are some of the main values of your company?

Companies often have missions or values that drive the decisions, attitudes, and goals of the company. Knowing and understanding these values can give you great insight into the type of culture that’s set.

How would you describe the office setting?

You can better understand the culture of a company by knowing how employees would describe the office environment. For example, an open seating floor plan and couches/areas to congregate and hang out in promote a more casual atmosphere.

Do you have any employee resource groups? If so, could you list a few?

This is a good question to ask if you’re looking for a company that promotes diversity and inclusion. If a company has resource groups or councils for underrepresented populations, it’s a sign that they may value diversity and inclusion. A good follow-up question would be, “What influence do the resource groups have on decision-making in the company?” This can help you understand how the company values the opinions and recommendations of the resource groups.

What is the best part of working here?

This question can help you determine why people choose to stay with the company. If your interviewer can easily list a few perks of working for the company, this can be a good sign. If they hesitate to come up with a good answer, you may want to inquire further about the answer they provide. Their response can help you gauge if you will enjoy working here.

How does the company support professional development?

If you are someone who wants to move forward in your career, then it is important to inquire about professional development and career growth opportunities. Finding an employer who sponsors things like continuing education, learning seminars and additional training can indicate that they want their employees to excel in their roles.

What is the process for giving feedback and performance reviews?

Getting feedback is a part of growing as a professional. This question can give you some insight into the company's feedback process. While some companies have extensive performance reviews, others might be more laissez-faire about giving employees feedback. If you are someone who needs a lot of structure and support with goal-setting, you want the employer to have a fully set up feedback system in place.

What does work-life balance mean to you?

Asking this question can help you determine if the interviewer's definition of a healthy work-life balance aligns with your own. If you are someone who needs clear barriers between your work life and personal life, look for some clear indicators in their answer. For instance, "We encourage employees to turn off their notifications outside of working hours." or "Our paid-time-off policy ensures employees get enough personal time throughout the year." are both answers that show they value a work-life balance.

How do you acknowledge employee success?

An indicator of a positive work environment is when an employer celebrates their employees' achievements. Getting recognition for your hard work is a good feeling. By creating a culture of praise and acknowledgment, companies can boost employee morale and improve retention rates. Asking this question helps you figure out how an employer might reward you for doing well at your job.

How do you get new employees onboarded?

The onboarding process can be the most important part of setting an employee up for success. When an employer has an extensive onboarding process that involves helping new hires feel welcome, this may be an indicator of a positive company culture. This question can help you learn what to expect during your first few weeks of work if you were to get the job.