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The Job Seeker’s Guide: Unveiling Company Culture Through Smart Questions
Sarah sat across from her interviewer at a promising tech startup, armed not just with answers, but with thoughtful questions. Like many job seekers, she’d learned the hard way that finding the right workplace isn’t just about landing any job — it’s about discovering an environment where you can thrive. This insight, echoing advice from Substack’s Vicario Reinaldo, underscores the importance of asking the right questions during your interview.
Imagine walking into your dream job only to discover six months later that the company’s values clash with yours, or that the “flexible work environment” means being expected to answer emails at midnight. The right questions, asked early, can help you avoid these scenarios. Here are ten powerful questions that can unveil a company’s true nature, along with real-world examples of what to look for in the answers.
1. “What are the company’s long-term goals for the next few years?”
When Mark interviewed at a financial services firm, he received a detailed response about expanding into Asian markets and developing new digital products. This clarity showed thoughtful planning. However, when interviewing at another company, the vague response “we want to be the best” raised concerns about…
