The cultural interview, from its origins of a being a bit of a rubber-stamping exercise, has now transformed into a stage which is seen as critical and non-negotiable. It is given equal weighting as a technical stage, and unless you can do both well it could have a substantial impact on your career.

The good news is cultural interviews, like technical ones, are something that you prepare for and get good at. Here are some tips to give you the edge.

Do your research:

Before the interview, research the company’s mission, values, and culture. Look for information on the company’s website, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn, and be prepared to discuss how you align with the company’s culture during the interview. Look at who your interviewers are, where they have worked and if you know anyone or have anything in common.

Have some Interesting Questions Prepared:

People love answering intelligent, original questions. A good interview question can be an opportunity to impress the interviewer with both your intelligence, and insight into the business. This is your chance to shine.

Prepare some things you want to talk about before-hand, don’t expect to come up with something on the spot. And of course, if there is something which will influence your decision to take the role, now is the time to discuss it.

You absolutely must ask a question at the end of an interview if given the opportunity. I have seen interviews successfully passed based on excellent questions, and I have seen interviews fail as a result of not having one to ask.

Prepare for the likely subjects that will come up:

Although initially it may seem a very broad topic, a structured cultural interview will only a cover a few defined areas. The questions may vary, but will cover the same subject. If you’ve thought about what you’re going to talk about in each space, you won’t have to improvise too much.

Questions exploring why you’ve decided to move on.

You should have a crystal-clear idea about why you’re moving, and you should be prepared to talk about it concisely. Also, things in your current role may have left you frustrated, but this is not the time to get everything off your chest. Be political and be succinct.

Questions exploring what you're looking for

This is where any research you’ve done will come in helpful, this is a good opportunity to talk about something at a deeper level about the company’s mission, the people you’ve met or the technology you’ll be working with. The key part here is to be genuine with your answer and be prepared to talk about with conviction.

Questions exploring what you’re like to work with

This is the domain of the interview favourite ‘what is your biggest weakness?’, or ‘tell me about a time you didn’t agree with a co-worker’

As you may have come to realise, what the interviewer is looking for is that you’re self-aware, and that your ego allows you to be open minded.

It is important you come across as someone who is flexible and pragmatic. Newer companies especially will want to see that you’re comfortable working with some ambiguity.

Be aware of your communication:

Both verbal and non-verbal. Make sure you have open body language, sit-up straight, make eye contact, be engaged and employ active listening techniques.

Also be aware of how much you’re talking. You should avoid going into a monologue. You can use the other person’s body language and expressions to give you an idea of when to wrap an answer up. Remember; the best interviews are conversations.

If you want to avoid over-talking and to ensure you give examples in a succinct and impactful way, look at using the STAR method which we’ve discussed before on this blog.

Show your enthusiasm:

If you are genuinely interested, you should let the interviewers know when the right time presents itself in the interview. If the interviewer feels that you’re perhaps not keen on the position it may negatively affect the outcome of the interview. This is not the time to play hard to get. Businesses are looking to hire people who are keen on the role, and excited to take up the opportunity.