Do hiring managers check if you are a culture fit?

Dress: Spot on. Interview: Check, Faultless. But, wait! What’s that? You can see a smug on the interviewer’s face. Even after having given your best shot, you can notice an offset in the interviewer’s behaviour. An inexplicable rejection, what went wrong during the process that’s beyond your levels of comprehension? You might not believe what we’re going to say next, but it’s true. From your levels of competency to your chances of getting hired for the job, it often boils down to one thing in the end: Culture fit.

The phrase 'Culture fit' defines whether or not an individual's values and beliefs match with that of the company. While this term covers a number of aspects under its banner, having nuances with respect to the role offered and the industry, the expression doesn’t have a specific definition. Where some define the term as “All else equal, fit is someone who would make a seamless transition into the department from day one”, some others say, “Fit is the person I would be most excited to have a walk with, into the office, the next day.”

But you don’t really have to engage in their perceptions if you know what to say and do, to present yourself in the best possible way. Below, we’ve shared a few points which will ensure that you ‘fit’ in all the definitions of the term: ‘culture fit’.

1. The Culture

Before stepping into the interview room for your big day, go through the details of the company. Tap into its core, the values it abides by and what the company stands for. It is essential to know how the firm stands out amongst the others in its target industry. See if the company’s demands fit with your personality as an individual. For instance, where a company is on the look-out for a bold individual, one with a timid personality will be rejected in the first few minutes of the interview. Do your research and blend yourself with the company’s objectives while giving the interview.

2. Talk to People beforehand

This might sound unprofessional but this is one crucial step that’ll give you a glimpse of what you’re getting into. Apart from the fact that you are required to fit in the company, it is important that you gel well with the people in the firm. Reach out to them on platforms like LinkedIn. Even though it is an intelligent way to know more about the company, this might be evaluated as a part of the firm’s hiring process. Stay professional and judge what should and should not be talked about, during the interview.

3. Do your Homework

Getting to know your interviewer even before you sit in that scary interview room, can change the future course of events. It isn’t always feasible to do a background check on your interviewer, but in cases where it is possible, make the most of it. Take into account the basics of how the person is and what behaviour might or might not put them off. This can ease the interview process for you, giving you an insight of what it might entail even before the first question is hurled at you. Also, prepare a few questions to ask the interviewer, based on what you read about them. Interviewers like discussing things off the hook, where they can connect with the interviewees on a personal level.

4. Share your experience, make it count!

One essential factor which must be kept in mind, right from the beginning, is to let the recruiter know that you’re the perfect person for the job. From the highlights in your resume to the answers you give to the interviewer, your replies must reflect how you would fit in the profile and the company like a jigsaw puzzle. Talk about your past experiences of working in teams, emphasize your leadership skills with a few instances where you’ve headed a team. Pitch yourself to the employer to showcase your talents with examples from the various roles you’ve stepped your foot in. Make sure that the hiring manager knows every relevant information about you.

5. Practice: That’s what makes a man perfect!

It is mandatory to prepare for the interview beforehand. Different companies have different interview procedures. Look into the company’s details and if possible, get an insight into the sort of questions they ask and their expectations from the candidate. Where some companies conduct brain teaser quizzes, others might make you sit for a psychometric test. Invest your time in getting familiar with the interview process. Remember: “The more you practice, the better you’ll get”.

Not getting nervous and staying confident is the first step towards securing your dream job. Do not pretend, stay genuine and true to yourself. Focus on making the most of your time while you’re still in the interview room. Culture fit might be a big deal for the employers, but if you play safe, the ball will be in your court. All the best!