culture fit

Imagine your company culture as a giant jigsaw puzzle. You’ve got all these talented individuals applying, but will their pieces click into place and create a beautiful picture, or will you end up with a frustrating mess of mismatched edges? That’s where culture fit comes in – it’s about finding those candidates who seamlessly blend into your company’s unique vibe, like puzzle pieces slotting together perfectly.pen_spark

What is Culture Fit?

Culture fit is an important consideration when screening candidates. Culture fit refers to how well the values, beliefs, and behaviours of a job candidate align with those of the company.

Traditionally most assessments focus more on the technical skills that a candidate may have. But by also factoring in culture fit the chances of finding the best candidate are increased.

Benefits of Good Cultural Fit in the Workplace

A good cultural fit can lead has a range of different benefits including the following:

  • increased job satisfaction
  • Increased productivity
  • Higher retention

We have all worked with colleagues that may have been good technically but were a poor fit with the company culture. A poor culture fit can have a significant negative effect on the company. And it can result in conflict and people leaving the company quickly.

It may not be immediately obvious when a candidate is not a good fit. They might get hired and it might take months to figure out that they were a bad fit.

How to Evaluate Cultural Fit?

There are several ways that employers can assess culture fit when screening candidates:

Evaluate the fit with the company’s values:

One way to assess culture fit is to test how well the candidate’s values align with those of the company. This is done through resume and application review, as well as through interviews and assessments.

Look for behaviours that align with the company culture:

Another way is to look for behaviours that align with the company culture. This can include behaviours such as teamwork, collaboration, and a willingness to take on new challenges. Using a screening matrix is a good approach to assess such attributes.

Consider the candidate’s fit with the team:

It’s also important to consider whether the candidate will fit in well with the existing team. This is often an overlooked aspect that can impact employees. It is conducted through interviews with team members, and assessments that measure teamwork and collaboration.

Use a culture fit assessment tool:

Some companies use culture fit assessment tools to help measure how well a candidate’s values and behaviours align with the company. These tools may include personality tests, values assessments, or other types of assessments.

Defining Your Company Culture: It’s Not Just About Free Pizza Fridays

So, how do you define your company culture? Here’s how to get a clear picture:

  • Mission and Values: Look at your company’s mission statement and core values. These are the guiding principles that define your organization’s DNA. Who are you, and what do you stand for?
  • Employee Feedback: Talk to your team! Conduct surveys or hold open discussions to understand what they appreciate about the company culture and what areas could be improved.
  • Social Media and Reviews: Take a peek at your company’s social media presence and online reviews. What kind of vibe do they portray? Does it reflect the culture you’re aiming for?

Culture Fit is a Two-Way Street: It’s Not Just About You Interviewing Them

Remember, culture fit is a two-way street. The interview process is also a chance for candidates to assess if your company aligns with their values and work style.

  • Be Transparent About Your Culture: Don’t sugarcoat it! Be upfront about your company culture, both the good and the not-so-glamorous. This allows candidates to make an informed decision about whether they’d be a good fit.
  • Encourage Questions: Welcome questions from candidates about your company culture. This shows them you’re open and transparent, and it allows them to gauge if they’d feel comfortable working in your environment.

Cultural fit is an important consideration to take into account when screening candidates. By taking the time to assess cultural fit, employers increase the chances of hiring suitable employees that fits their company culture.

It can lead to increased job satisfaction, productivity, and retention, which will benefit the company as a whole.

culture fit in workplace

Unlocking the Ideal Employee with Serand

Comprehensive Candidate Profiling

 “Serand doesn’t simply check skills off a list. Our assessments generate in-depth personality profiles, measuring crucial traits like integrity, attention to detail, and adaptability. This provides insights no traditional interview can match.”

Situational Judgement for Real-World Success

“Technical knowledge is only part of the equation. Serand’s job-specific situational judgement questions put candidates into realistic accounting scenarios. Their responses reveal how they think, prioritise, and handle challenges – critical for long-term success.”

Cutting Through Social Desirability Bias

“Serand’s assessments incorporate subtle measures of social desirability, helping pinpoint candidates who are genuinely trustworthy and ethical. This adds a layer of security to your hiring process, vital when handling sensitive financial data.”

Identifying Hidden Potential

Serand’s personality profiling might uncover high-potential candidates whose resumes don’t reflect their full capabilities.

Beyond the Resume

Assessments reveal how candidates think under pressure, their communication style, and their ethical compass. These intangibles are impossible to gauge from a resume alone.

Ready to find employees with not just the right skills, but the right mindset? Discover how Serand’s assessments unlock a deeper understanding of candidates. Ask us a question.