Answers To “What Kind Of Culture Do You Want To Work In?”

As a hiring manager, I have come across prospects who are so confused about how best to answer this interview question, ” What Kind Of Culture Do You Want To Work In?”

If you are one of those, then this article is for you.

This interview question is majorly asked when a hiring manager wants to know your attitude and how best you fit into the culture.

So in this article, I will walk you through how to answer this question and also impress the hiring manager Including when it is best to start applying.

Factors To Consider When Answering, “What Kind Of Culture Do You Want To Work In?”

Below are some of the factors to consider when answering, “what kind of culture do you want to work in?”

Every company’s culture vary based on the following factors:

• Hierarchical Vs. Egalitarian Corporate Culture

Some companies have a traditional work environment and workplace culture where a team is led by one manager. 

The company usually keeps specific tasks within an individual team, and team members are to look up to one team leader for direction.

In this kind of culture, roles and hierarchy are well-defined. Some people lead while others are to execute the work they’re given.

With this, many companies have begun to utilize a more “flat” organizational structure where people of all levels are making decisions, managing their work to some extent, collaborating with other teams on various projects.

This kind of company culture is usually described as an egalitarian culture, which simply means a company culture where all are considered equal.

Nevertheless, an ideal company culture will depend on what exactly you are looking for either for more freedom, ability to make decisions, or a collaboration across the company, or if you will rather take direction from one manager and make fewer high-level decisions.

• Start-up Vs. Mature Company Culture

There are also company cultures that are faster and slower in terms of company operation and procedures with more or less interest in innovation.

Furthermore, there are also other companies that will flaunt a start-up culture, which usually emphasis on less bureaucracy, faster movement in terms of product development, Including more willingness to take on risk, and emphasis on being flexible and creative, etc.

In contrast, a more corporate or traditional work environment may have more formal and time-consuming processes for everything from asking for a raise or promotion, to requesting funds or permission for a new project or initiative.

Read Also: How To Answer “What Is Your Leadership Style?” (Interview Question)

• Formal Vs. Informal Culture

If you are very observant, you will notice that some companies have a much more formal workplace culture in terms of dress code, how employees are expected to interact with each other via email, etc.

This is also any way that the industry impacts company culture.

This is mostly noticed in traditional corporate culture such as financial companies, Insurance companies and others.

If you are looking at software companies, scientific companies, e-commerce start-ups, etc. You will find a more flexible and modern culture in most cases.

So while researching and searching for jobs, it is important to bear all these company cultures in mind since it will be of a great help when you are answering about the type of culture you will prefer to work in.

Also, it is not necessary for you to use all of these, just select one and describe it in your response.

How To Answer “What Kind Of Culture Do You Want To Work In?”

There is no need to be too quick in answering this Interview question, you need to take your time and do the necessary steps below such as:

First, in order to know how best to tackle this question, you will need to research the supposed company that you are applying for, their company’s culture so that you will know what to expect.

By doing so, you will have enough details to give an answer that matches the company’s value.

Also, you need to think about what type of culture and work environment you prefer so you can target those types of companies in your job search.

While in the interview, it is advisable that you shouldn’t lie about your ideal company’s culture.

You also need to apply for companies that are attracted to you.

However, once you have researched the company, pick one to three factors that you feel make a positive company culture and that this company seems to offer.

These factors can be based on info you found on their website, LinkedIn and other social media pages, YouTube, news articles, etc. 

You can also talk to current or past employees if possible.

Once you’ve picked out one or two specific areas that suggest an employer has an ideal company culture for you, you’re ready to craft an interview answer.

Let’s look at some examples of interview answer samples to use to regenerate yourself.

Sample Answers To “What Kind of Culture Do You Want To Work In?”

Below are some of the sample answers that depicts how your response should sound.

Sample Answer 1

“I appreciate when an organization’s culture promotes innovation and the exploration of new ideas. 

I read a couple of former employee reviews and this has been encouraging.

Beyond this, I thrive in a positive company culture where employees are engaged, motivated, happy, receiving help in their professional development, and supporting each other. 

I got the sense that this is that type of place based on some research I did.

Am I right in terms of my impression of this?”

Read Also: How To Answer “How Do You Handle Conflict?” (Interview Question)

Sample Answer 2

“I saw on your website that you describe having an egalitarian culture, where all opinions are valued. 

That sounds like a major positive to me and is something I’m hoping to find in a company.

I also looked at the job description before coming to this job interview to get a further sense of the culture here, and it seems like you offer one of the more innovative cultures in the industry in terms of rolling out many new improvements, leading your competitors in new features, and being willing to test and even fail on some ideas.

That’s the type of environment and culture I’m hoping to find in my next job”.

Sample Answer 3

“I don’t think that I require one specific type of culture to feel like I’m in my dream job. 

I mostly care about doing meaningful work and collaborating with great people. 

So I suppose the team is what makes the culture for me.

I did some pre-interview research into your company and saw mention of a flat, flexible organizational structure with frequent collaboration between teams, and team members participating in multiple projects, which sounds great.

If my impression is correct about how your company culture works, then I’d say your firm has the type of culture I want to be a part of”.

Sample Answer 4

“I’d like to work in a company culture that’s collaborative and supportive of employees, and encourages great communication.

I also prefer a less-bureaucratic structure where new ideas can be implemented quickly, and where managers act as role models rather than just top-down leaders”.

Sample Answer 5

“I believe one aspect of great company culture is open communication, with leaders being open to questions and suggestions.

I also like when a company encourages employees to get involved in volunteer work to help local communities. 

I saw a mention of this on your company website last night while doing some research, which was fantastic to see”

Sample Answers To “What Is Your Ideal Company Culture?”

Below are some best sample answers to answer this question:

Sample Answer 1

My ideal company culture is an environment where people are free to express ideas and opinions, and where everyone collaborates instead of competing. 

It’s a work environment that rewards employees for being distinctive individuals who bring unique ideas and perspectives. 

I’m also passionate about self-improvement and professional development, so I’d love to find a company that encourages employees to continue learning, getting certifications, and picking up new skills.

Sample Answer 2

My ideal company culture is an innovative environment and a business where I’m excited about the company’s mission. 

That’s one reason I thought to apply here; I looked at many tech companies here in Boston, and your mission and product are some of the most exciting and impactful that I saw. 

It seems like your company is helping the community and making a difference in people’s lives, not just accomplishing business goals.

Sample Answer 3

I like a company culture that supports and encourages employee growth, whether it’s through great training, continuing education, a mentorship program, or other methods.

That’s something my last job did well. My employer assigned me a mentor when I was new in the organization, which is something they do for all team members.

I don’t necessarily need a mentor, but I’d like to find a company with those same values, where new employees are made to feel welcome and given the training needed to succeed, and where employee experience is a part of the company’s strategy.

I read on your website that you have a comprehensive three-week training program and also offer tuition reimbursement for continuing education, so I thought your company sounded like a great cultural fit.

Sample Answer 4

I prefer a more traditional culture with a well-defined hierarchy, where well-qualified individuals lead and those who report to them perform tasks as assigned. 

I’ve enjoyed this in the past as an employee and feel it’s where I do my best work.

I read various employee reviews online and saw that your company seems to offer this structure. I also saw that employees report high job satisfaction here, which is fantastic to see.

In a situation whereby you are not sure about a company’s culture, then being more vague is the best 

The ideal response when answering any interview question is to show that you’re a good fit for their role.

So if you’re not sure about an organization’s culture, you don’t have to take big risks in your answer.

The less sure you are of how this organization is set up, the more general your answer should be.

For example, you could discuss how you’re flexible and have enjoyed a few different organizations in the past, despite them having different cultures.

You can also say that you’re interested in becoming someone who can work well in many different office cultures, but in the past, you’ve enjoyed cultures that featured ___ and ___.

Whatever type of answer that you decide to give shows an employer that you are fit for the role even if I am not sure about their exact culture.

So, avoid giving a meaningless answer like, “I enjoy every company culture.” rather, give the interviewer something much better like the above samples.

Conclusion

With all this said, I hope you now know how best to answer this Interview question and also the samples that you can use to make sure your answer matches the organization you are interviewing with so that you don’t scare an employer off when responding to this interview question.

For more additional tips or questions, don’t forget to leave them in the comment section below.