Meet DeepL: finding the right fit with our Culture & Values interview

At DeepL, our hiring process goes beyond evaluating technical skills—it’s equally focused on ensuring that new team members positively contribute to our culture. My name is Francesca Pal, and I'm a Talent Acquisition Specialist for the Go-To-Market team. Today, I will be guiding you through the Culture & Values interview—a vital component of our recruitment process at DeepL. 

What’s the goal of the Culture & Values interview at DeepL?

The Culture & Values interview is designed to help us understand how well your values and work style align with DeepL’s culture, mission, and values. It’s a crucial part of our hiring process because we’re not just looking for individuals who excel in their roles. We’re seeking those who will also contribute positively to our overall work environment and thrive as a valued member of our team.

By emphasizing cultural contribution, we aim to create a workplace where everyone feels supported and encouraged to grow both personally and professionally.

What kinds of questions can candidates expect in this interview?

During this interview, you can expect a range of questions aimed at helping us get to know you better. We’ll explore your understanding of our culture, how you’ve navigated different work environments, and your approach to team dynamics and communication.

Additionally, we’ll ask behavioral questions focused on your past experiences—these help us gain insights into how you tackle challenges, collaborate with others, and how your experiences align with the values and culture we hold dear at DeepL.

What specific traits and qualities are you looking for in candidates during these interviews?

We’re looking for individuals who are motivated to make a positive impact—whether that’s on their team, our customers, users, the community, or even society as a whole. This approach is essential to maintaining a productive work environment where everyone feels comfortable and supported to be their authentic selves.

We highly value qualities like being down-to-earth, open, and collaborative. As we continue to grow rapidly, fostering a diversity of thoughts and ideas across our teams and departments is crucial.

We also want to see how you take responsibility and accountability for your work, how you move quickly, and how you view mistakes as opportunities to learn. Initiative is key: we value people who can take responsibility, drive decisions, and contribute to various projects, allowing them to demonstrate their skills and see the impact of their work.

Finally, we’re looking for candidates who have a long-term vision and can clearly articulate how they’ll deliver results that will contribute to our growth.

How do you determine if a candidate aligns with DeepL’s core values?

There’s no “magic formula” for determining if someone’s values align with ours, but we do look at several key factors, such as: 

• We consider communication style, approach to teamwork and collaboration, decision-making processes, and attitude toward learning and resilience. 

• We evaluate these elements as a whole, alongside everything else we learn about the candidate throughout the interview process, to get a well-rounded sense of whether they’re a good fit for our culture.

What tips would you give to candidates preparing for a Culture & Values interview at DeepL?

For anyone preparing for a Culture & Values interview with us, I recommend starting by familiarizing yourself with our company values. You can do this by exploring our culture page or the Life at DeepL page on LinkedIn.

Once you have a solid understanding of our values, take some time to reflect on your own experiences. Think about examples that show how your values align with ours—such as projects you’ve worked on, key milestones, times you’ve supported a teammate, challenges you’ve overcome, and moments when you’ve taken responsibility.

It’s also a great idea to come prepared with thoughtful questions for your interviewers about our culture and how we live our values every day. Remember, the interview is a two-way conversation—it’s as much about you deciding if DeepL is the right fit for you as it is about us getting to know you. Aligned values are crucial for a positive work experience, so take the time to really think about what matters most to you.

Are you excited to see how your values align with ours and eager to contribute to our team? Explore our current opportunities and start your journey with DeepL.