Jacquie, 27, works as a PA in a part-private, part-public sector company offering support for small businesses
I wish I had known about the company's style of work. There is heavy focus on 'objectives' and a ticking off boxes approach to work. Being part public sector, the job is laid back with a non-competitive culture and, although I don't handle stress well myself, I have realised I still need that edge. I am used to working for sole traders or limited companies where the environment is much more dynamic. The manager implied at the interview that it was more dynamic than it really is. I sit there some days with nothing to do and that is not me. In hindsight, I didn't ask tough enough questions at the interview.

Claire, group marketing manager, accountancy training provider
The job sounded great. There was more money, with a prestigious job title, but it hasn't worked out as I hoped. The job outline they gave me has changed since I started and, since nothing was put down in writing, it is difficult to push the issue, being the new starter.

I wish I had looked at what really motivates me. In my previous role I was in an environment with chatter and constant distractions amid the hard work. I was also working to regular deadlines and saw a more immediate impact from my work. Moving to a much bigger organisation, I find that things move much more slowly. I have also moved to a higher level with far less people contact, which was unexpected. Make sure you ask about the work environment in which you will be working.

Tom, IT, project manager, private equity investment firm
This company is a huge contrast in culture to my previous position. I knew that, being a financial company, it would have a more rigid structure and culture, but I have been very surprised by the extent of the difference. It is something of a cultural oxymoron. On the one hand, they have some very contemporary ideas about the culture, such as keeping everyone in the loop on all decisions, and yet they are extremely old-fashioned with regard to everything from hierarchy, management style through to hairstyles. A sociable drink after work is unheard of. For these first few months I have had to work very hard to project the particular image that is required in this climate.

Susie, marketing manager, telecomms company
I wish I had known more about the company culture and about the daily ennui of working life there. For example, they are very into clock-watching. Arriving slightly late in the morning is commented on, but they are quite happy to let you work until ten or 11 at night.

Candidates should also watch out for the potentially spurious claims made by companies in interview. These caused me problems in the initial months. If possible, ask tougher questions during the interview. Promises of working in offices abroad, for example, may only be available after a certain length of time at the company. A useful tip - before you accept a job, ask to spend half a day with the team. You will gain a clearer idea of the company's personality and can discover if the spiel you were given in the interview squares with the evidence before you.

Michelle, project manager in an academic consultancy
Looking back, I should have read the signs during the interview that the organisation's personality did not really fit my criteria. On the first day, my contact wasn't in the office, and no one knew I was supposed to start and what my role was. I did not get a contract when I started and had to badger them for it. They are very lax about procedures and that was a tip-off for me. I wish I'd had a better way to gauge the lack of internal communication, as this has caused a lot of problems. But hindsight is a wonderful thing.

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