Job seekers, did you know that certain questions that companies ask you are really to find out something specific about you that’s deeper than the question itself? For example, asking you about a challenge you’ve encountered at work is often to assess your adaptability. Asking you about your professional weaknesses is mostly to assess your personal character. Well, you can apply that strategy, and assess a company and what you need to find out to see if it’s a good fit. Try these!

(1). “How would you describe the way meetings occur here?” They’ll likely ask you to elaborate. “Well, do you have a lot or a little? Do they usually start and finish on time? How are they used compared to just catching people to ask them questions or sending an email?”

The information you can gather here about meetings will tell you about the communication style of the department, how decisions are made within the business, internal politics . . . things that greatly affect your experience within that workplace culture.

(2). To your would-be supervisor or close collaborators: “What’s your approach to your calendar?” Again, they might ask you to elaborate the question. “I mean, is it jammed-packed at all times? Do you prefer being more fluid and open, etc.?” (Some might even open their labtop and show you their current week).

The information you gather here will tell you about how it could be working under or with those individuals. You should also assess the way you calendar yourself to see if it matches. I personally try to fill my calendar at around 75%, ensuring that I know my high amount of tasks and appointments, yet can still be available, fit-in emergency huddles or admin time, etc. as I go. Though it’s harder when workloads are high, I do my absolute darndest to not overbook myself and then have to scramble, bump/reschedule meetings as higher-priority ones arise, etc. If I see a close work partner’s calendar that is always booked solid – who can’t fit anything anywhere – I know it will be an adjustment for me to work with them effectively, and it’s just going to be that dynamic with us.

(3). “You mentioned you use [software X] here. How exactly are you using it? I mean, how do you organize the [X items] in there? Who’s typically in there using it? What type of reporting comes out of it?”

Many companies use similar platforms, but certainly not all in the same ways. What you learn here will give you an idea of the environment you’d be stepping into, and how easily or how difficult it will be for you if you’ve also used that software.

Asking these questions will help you better determine what you’d be stepping into. Go in well-informed!