225+
5 reviews
Mike
16:04 13 Mar 23
Highly recommended! Josh and Sarah have been fantastic at Astute. They've found and placed me in 2 jobs now between them, both really responsive and excellent at keeping you up to speed with things. Very knowledgable about the roles and happy to talk to companies with any queries you have.
C R.
10:45 27 Jan 23
Great agency one of the best ones I've worked with! Liz has been a great help and support in helping me towards a new direction in my career life. She is very attentive and keeps me in the loop at all times! She makes the extra effort to work with my preferred requirements for work and even if it isn't completely attainable she meets me in the middle and does as much as she can to help! Also Liz is very funny might I add 😂 and I'm happy that I can now put a face to the name after all these years! Thank you again Liz for all your help and support! 😊
Christine
10:32 20 Dec 22
Josh and the Astute team was very swift to help me to find roles that matched my profile. They are really reliable and will help through every step of the recruitment process going out of their way to assist and follow up when needed. Could not find a better recruitment agency!
Helen Pinegar
16:19 18 Dec 22
Fantastic recruitment agency.. Josh was extremely enthusiastic, encouraging and clearly knowledgeable about what was needed from both the employee and the employers point of view. Extremely supportive especially in regards to interview preparation and endeavoured to procure feedback promptly. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Astute in the future to both candidates and recruiting businesses particularly for the right fit for the role!!!
Lisa Leigh
11:56 30 Nov 22
I have worked as a candidate for Astute and they have been excellent. Super friendly service and professional agents keen to fit the right person to the right job. It has been a pleasure dealing with them and I would happily work for them again in the future. Highly recommend this agency.
Contact us
Derby
Suite 1, Ground Floor West,Cardinal Square,10 Nottingham Road,Derby. DE1 3QT
Nottingham
Stanford House,19 Castle Gate, Nottingham, NG1 7AQ

Whilst an interview is your chance to impress an employer, it’s also an opportunity to see if you would be happy working for them.

Asking about company culture isn’t just about curiosity , it’s a strategic move to find out whether the job is right for you. By asking the right questions, you can tell if this is an environment that aligns with your working style, personality and values.

When preparing for a job interview, most candidates focus on how to impress the employer, but remember, interviews are a two-way street!

Culture isn’t always visible in a job description, but it can dramatically impact your daily experience, job satisfaction, and long-term growth. That’s why it’s crucial to ask the right questions about culture during your interview. 

There are some suggested questions below . The answers you get will give you a clearer picture of whether you’ll feel supported, valued, and inspired in your next role. 

1. What opportunities are there for professional development and career growth? 

Asking about professional development shows you’re committed to learning and evolving in your role. It helps you understand if the company invests in its employees through mentorships, promotions, upskilling, or internal mobility. A culture that makes development a priority, wants you to succeed in the long-term. 

2. What is your process for giving feedback, and how often?

This question can give you some insight into the company’s feedback process. While some companies have extensive performance reviews, others might be more relaxed about giving employees feedback. If you’re someone who prefers a lot of structure and support with goal-setting, you may want the employer to have a fully set up feedback system in place. Regardless of the structure, it’s essential to find a company with a process for giving feedback to help you learn how to grow, advance or improve in your role.

3. What kind of team-building activities or events do you organise?

Team-building initiatives can foster stronger relationships and a more positive workplace atmosphere. An employer who values an open and communicative company culture is likely to encourage employees to engage in team-building activities. By participating in fun games, challenges, and events, employees can learn more about each other. Asking this question can help you determine if you may be comfortable participating in the team-building activities the company provides.

4. Are there any programs or initiatives focused on giving back to the community? 

Corporate social responsibility is a key part of many companies’ values today. This question shows your interest in purpose-driven work, and it helps you assess whether the company’s culture includes community involvement, volunteering, or sustainability efforts.  If you are someone who values volunteerism and charity support, asking this question can help you learn if your company values giving back to those in need. See if the interviewer is willing to discuss what organisations or causes the company supports. Some companies even allow employees to take time off to volunteer.

5. How would you describe the management style here? 

Management can make or break your work experience. Often, the manager of the job you’re applying for is your interviewer. Asking them this question can help you tell if their management style aligns with your working style. For instance, when just getting into your field, you may want a manager who is actively involved. But if you’re highly skilled at your job, you may prefer a manager who is more laid back. Listen to their answer carefully to get a true understanding of what they’re like as a manager, as they may discuss both positive and negative traits!

6. What is the dress code?

While you may be able to tell what the dress code is just by looking around, this question can help you learn what the company expects you to wear on a daily basis. While some people don’t mind having to dress up every day, others prefer a more casual and comfortable look. Although this may not be your determining factor when accepting a job offer, it’s still an important thing to find out if its something you are comfortable with!

7. How is employee success acknowledged and celebrated? 

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 learn if the company celebrates achievements, big or small, through bonuses, shoutouts, awards, or career advancement. It also shows if appreciation is part of everyday culture. 

8. What does the onboarding process for new employees look like? 

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 will help you understand how the company supports you during those crucial first weeks and whether you’ll be set up to thrive from day one.

9. How Does the Company Approach Work-Life Balance?

Work-life balance is a priority for many candidates. This question helps you understand the company’s policies on flexibility, remote work, or overtime expectations. It shows you care about maintaining a sustainable work environment. The answer can reveal whether the company prioritises employee well-being. If the answer aligns with your needs, express enthusiasm, e.g., “I appreciate flexible hours, as they help me stay productive.”

10. Can you share an example of how the company supports employee mental health and well-being? 

Mental health in the workplace really does matter. By asking this, you can evaluate whether the company takes mental well-being seriously, whether through flexible work policies, access to counselling, mental health days, or simply fostering a healthy work-life balance. 

11. What kind of training or learning programs does the company offer? 

Continuous learning is a sign of a growth-oriented company. This question helps you understand whether the company offers workshops, certifications, courses, or knowledge-sharing sessions to keep employees up to date and evolving.

When you go through Astute Recruitment, your consultant will give you an insight into the company’s culture, which is a valuable advantage, but it’s still important to dig deeper during the interview to ensure the environment truly aligns with your expectations. 

Remember, you’re not just looking for any job. You’re looking for the right one and culture is key. 

Up next...

  • 55% of UK businesses that replaced workers with AI regret their decision
  • The latest annual survey by organisational design and planning software platform Orgvue, based on feedback from 1,000 C-suite executives and […]

  • How Hybrid and Remote Work Are Reshaping Recruitment
  • In today’s rapidly changing work environment, connecting the right people to the right roles has never been more crucial. The […]

  • Employee Retention Strategies
  • As businesses navigate an ever-changing job market, retaining top talent has become critical to driving success. With the rise of […]

  • New Tampa Office for Astute
  • We are delighted to have opened a new office in Tampa, Florida, having recently branched out into the US specifically […]

  • How to make your job search more successful
  • Mary Maguire, MD of Astute Recruitment talks about ‘How to make your job search more successful’ and specifically about how […]