Keep an eye on corporate ‘body language’

Interviewees should always closely observe the corporate body language of a prospective employer.? In my first book, written in the ’90s, I talked about being sure to take a good look at a company’s reception area, office layout, the wording of the job description, and so on. In my latest book, ‘Your Career Satnav…Switch It On!’, I’ve updated this with intel on further ways of gaining greater depth in your understanding of how an organisation really ticks.?

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As well as careful scrutiny of the tone of the company website and investors’ comments, it pays to tune your radar to the company’s emotional intelligence.?Look carefully at how you’re approached by phone and by email. How good are they at scheduling your meetings??Do they move quickly or slowly??Do they make you feel special, or do you get the sense that you’re being processed?

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When you sit down to the face-to-face interview, ask whether they conduct annual appraisals and 360-degree assessments.?Are they using psychometric materials?of their own, or are they using reputable external sources??Do these stand?apart from pay reviews??And, in the light of current trends, what is their attitude towards working from home??

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Finally, even when you’re being recruited for a senior role, start building an assessment of the company’s Human Resources function.?(Easier when your early interviews are conducted by HR, of course.)?This is because HR is always close to the CEO due to sensitivity to diversity and mental health issues –?as such, it offers a good snapshot of the corporate culture.?Don’t make a big deal, just be on the lookout.?

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The person who interviews the shortlisted candidates is focused on much more than how you fit with the role profile and job title – they are primarily interested in how you fit with the company itself.?You should be looking equally carefully at the same thing from your side of the fence.

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Andrew Garner is an executive senior management and C-suite mentor. He is the author of the career management manual: ‘Your Career Satnav… Switch It on!’? Get your copy here.