Energy

Another tricky concept to define, but you’ll probably have a gut feeling about a company’s energy from the minute you step foot in the door. Are the interviewers on time for you, or are you left waiting nervously? Once you get in the room, consider their energy towards you.

“If your interviewers are engaged, authentic and genuinely curious about you, these are all good signs,” says Fitzgerald. “Do they seem like they genuinely enjoy their roles or are they coming across as rushed, distracted or negative? If so, this might hint at a stressed or disengaged team.”

Think about whether you’d feel comfortable approaching these people if you were to get the job. Would you go to them with an issue or for advice?

“Leaders who are approachable and supportive of their employees’ development create a culture of growth and engagement,” says Crompton. “Companies that emphasise mentoring, professional growth and an ‘open-door’ policy can strongly suggest a positive and empowering workplace.”

Respect

Are you treated with respect from the moment you arrive? This extends to everyone, from receptionists to senior-level managers (it also applies to how you treat everyone, too). The notion of respect also includes personal time and boundaries, and a strong indicator of this is a good work-life approach.

“No longer just a buzzword, work-life balance – such as hours flexibility, respect of personal time and boundaries and options for remote working – shows a culture that prioritises employee wellbeing,” says Crompton. “A company with a strong value on work-life balance tends to see higher employee satisfaction and lower burnout rates.”

Going for a job interview? Here are 4 ways to discover what the company culture is like