What is the role of cultural fit in job selection?

Cultural fit refers to the alignment between a company’s culture and an employee’s values, beliefs, and behaviors. It is crucial in job selection because it affects employee productivity, job satisfaction, and retention rate.

In a tight labor market, cultural fit has become an essential factor in companies’ hiring process. According to Glassdoor, more than 75% of job seekers consider an employer’s brand and culture before even applying for a job. For recruiters, cultural fit conversations start at the pre-screening stage, where they assess the applicant’s skills, experience, and cultural values through an interview or a questionnaire.

One way to evaluate cultural fit is by asking scenario-based questions during an interview. For instance, “What would you do if you disagree with your supervisor?” and “What do you value most in your work environment?” Through these questions, the recruiter can determine whether the applicant shares the company’s values and can adapt to the workplace culture.

However, cultural fit should not impede diversity and inclusion efforts in the workplace. It is essential to recognize the value of different perspectives and backgrounds that a diverse workforce brings to the table. Therefore, recruiters should focus on cultural contribution rather than cultural fit to create a workforce that reflects the society’s diversity.