WorkWise BlogTip: Scope out the company when interviewing

How can you tell when a company is good for the long haul? Formulate questions before the interview. Lynn Taylor (lynntaylorconsulting.com) tells you how to scope the place out:

• Sponge in the lobby. Is the company people-sensitive? Does the receptionist greet you with warmth or coldness? "Ask a quick, lighthearted question to examine the tone," Taylor says. Does anyone offer you water? Do you wait very long? If so, does the interviewer fail to apologize? Are you greeted with a smile?

• Focus your radar on offices you pass. Is there energy or chaos? Is the conversation friendly? Imagine yourself there. Can you?

• Measure your chemistry with the boss as you inch into the culture questions. Find out if the company teams or everyone works solo. How does the company measure success, especially in this economy? If wall hangings promote teams rather than an individual star (i.e., the boss), you'll learn a lot about him and the company.

• Investigate further by speaking with one or more peers — alone. Why do they like working there? Find out what's missing for them by asking what they'd like to see changed. Are they part of a team or a solo act?

You have the antennae. Use them!

Dr. Mildred L. Culp welcomes your questions at culp@workwise.net. Copyright 2010 Passage Media.