5 Surprising Culture Questions to Ask During an Interview

When it comes to interviewing potential candidates for a position in your company, it’s important to not only stick to the traditional questions but also keep an open mind to some of the surprising culture questions that could reveal more about the candidate.

Here are 5 surprising culture questions that you can add to your interview process:

1. How do you maintain work-life balance?

This question reveals a lot about the candidate’s priorities and how they value their personal time. It’s important to find a candidate who understands the importance of a work-life balance and can maintain a healthy separation between work and personal life to avoid burnout.

2. How do you define success in your work?

Asking the candidate about their definition of success can reveal their motivations and aspirations. It can also provide insight into their attitudes towards work and what they prioritize in their professional life.

3. What is your experience working with people from different backgrounds and cultures?

In today’s globalized world, diversity and inclusion are crucial in the workplace. Asking this question can help reveal a candidate’s experience working with people from different backgrounds and cultures, and how they navigate diversity in the workplace.

4. How do you handle conflict in the workplace?

Conflict is inevitable in any workplace setting. It’s important to hire a candidate who has experience in handling conflict and can demonstrate effective communication and problem-solving skills. Understanding how they handle conflict can also reveal how they approach collaboration and teamwork.

5. How do you stay up-to-date with industry developments and trends?

This question can reveal a candidate’s level of curiosity and interest in their field of work. It can also show their dedication to growing professionally and their willingness to learn and adapt to changes in the industry.

In addition to these questions, it’s important to also consider cultural fit when hiring. Cultural fit refers to the alignment of the candidate’s values, personality, work style, and goals with the company culture. Asking these questions can help you determine if the candidate is the right fit for your company’s culture and values.

Overall, adding these surprising culture questions to your interview process can help you gain a deeper understanding of the candidate’s personality, values, and work style. This can help you make a more informed hiring decision and ensure that the candidate is not only qualified but also the right fit for your company’s culture.