Returning to the professional world can feel overwhelming with so many unknowns.   Finding an employer that provides a supportive workplace culture for parents can make all the difference when it comes to your successful reentry to the workforce. 

Company culture goes beyond just the perks listed in a job description. It encompasses the values, norms, and behaviors that define an organization and its people. For stay-at-home moms transitioning back into the workforce, understanding the company culture is key to finding the right fit where you can thrive in your personal and professional life. 

But how can you get the inside scoop on what a company’s culture is really like? Informational interviews offer a fantastic opportunity to gain insights into a company's culture straight from the source – its employees. By asking the right questions during these conversations, you can uncover valuable information that will help you assess whether a company aligns with your values, work style, and career goals.  Not familiar with informational interviews? Check out our past blog, The Secret to Unlocking the Hidden Job Market: Informational Interviews Explained, for more information about this incredible job search tool. 

In this blog post, we'll explore essential informational interview questions tailored specifically for stay-at-home moms returning to the workforce. These questions will provide you with a deeper understanding of a company’s culture and help you make informed decisions as you embark on this exciting new chapter of your career journey. 

Let's dive in and discover the key questions you should be asking to gain valuable insights into company culture! 

Question #1: Can you tell me about work-life balance in your role and on your team? 

Work life balance can mean different things to different people so asking an open-ended question like this can give you great insights into how a company supports work life balance for their employees.  Based on the information that you gather, you can decide if this type of work life balance is a fit for you. 

Question #2: How does your company support parents with young families at home? 

This question can help you understand what types of support and resources are available to parents. Many companies will offer groups, resources, and benefits that are tailored to helping parents thrive in the workplace. Additionally, some workplaces may offer more flexibility that aligns better with family life so this question can help you learn about a range of support (or lack thereof). 

Question #3: How does the company accommodate flexible work arrangements, such as remote work or alternative schedules, particularly for employees with family responsibilities? 

Employers can support flexible work arrangements in a variety of ways and some companies have formal policies while others may be more informal and based on manager discretion.  Understanding the ways that flexible work is supported can help you identify which companies to target that will provide the best schedule and flexibility for you and your family. 

Question #4: What does a typical day look like in your job? 

This is a great question for someone who is working in a similar role or team to the type of position you’d be targeting. Asking this type of question can help to paint a picture of the daily pace that you may be signing up for when you accept a job with a certain company or team. 

Question #5: Does your company live up to the promises/commitments that it makes around employee support and work/life balance? Why or why not?  

Company websites, recruiters, and hiring managers will always frame their policies and culture in a positive light. But asking this question will help you understand if the employee experience aligns with how the company positions itself – do they walk the talk? Ultimately you want an employer that lives out their values. A great follow-up question here would be “How does the company/leadership gather feedback from employees on how they can continue to improve their policies and culture?” 

The beauty of informational interviews is that you get to drive the conversation with questions that help you gather information that you need to help target your search. Informational interviews are also a powerful way to build your network and tap into the hidden job market. Any effort in building your network is a great step toward moving your job search forward!