For example, at Microsoft, many people like working there because of competitive environment and a culture that values intellect. If you come across in an interview with that company as someone who likes those things, you'll probably score extra points and be seen by interviewer as someone who would fit in with team.

One place to find out about companies is Vault Reports website. To find out more about Vault Reports, please check out review on our site at this address: http://www.jobsearchinfo.com/vault.htm

Hoovers.com is also a good site for finding out more about a company, as are other financial reporting sites like Yahoo Finance which lets you look up information on public companies.

Unfortunately, however, there are times when showing ambition on a job interview can hurt you. Watch out for situations where an unproven or burnt-out manager interviews you for a job that could put you in a position to replace them. If insecure manager interviews you *after* at least one other person as interviewed you, it's ok to come across as ambitious because insecure manager wouldn't want to be perceived as blocking talented candidates. But if an insecure manager is acting as a "gatekeeper" to company and could prevent you from being considered by final decision maker, it's better to come off as competent but not ambitious so you don't seem threatening to their position.

Business Philosophy/Identity - Most companies tend to have a unique identity and philosophy. For some companies, they pride themselves on giving back to community. Some are focused on making as much money for their employees as possible. And others are focused on providing a great work environment and being a place people want to work. Finding a business with a philosophy that matches your values will make getting up for work in morning much more enjoyable!

Management Style - Some managers give their employees wide lattitude to make decisions. Others want to be involved in details and have more control over everything that's going on.

Degree of Trust - In some companies, people openly trust each other and share information with their co-workers. At other companies, people are secretive and even distrustful.

Understanding of Personal Issues - It's possible for a company to be focused on performance, but to still be generous with its employees in times of personal need (such as when someone has a sick family member).

WAYS TO DETERMINE CORPORATE CULTURE

It's often possible to get a sense of a company's culture by looking at their web site. They may include speeches from their senior managers or news items discussing company initiatives that indicate cultural values. Before interviewing, it's a good idea to think about values you'd want a company you work for to have, and if it's not obvious to you company has them, ask person you're interviewing with what company's philosophy is on issue. Ask for examples to be sure interviewer isn't just selling you on company and can provide facts to back up their assertions. By asking culture questions and showing that you are interested in making sure you and company fit well together, you're also communicating to interviewer that you're a professional and that you are looking for a job that really makes sense for you.