In a world where young job seekers may seem self-focused, demanding higher pay and better benefits, it’s easy to become skeptical about the current workforce. However, contrary to popular belief, many individuals, especially millennials, prioritize company culture and alignment over monetary compensation.
By focusing on culture fit first during interviews, you’ll make better hires who are more committed to your company’s values and vision. Experience and job skills will be developed over time, but the elusive quality of culture fit is either there or it isn’t from the start.
What is Culture Fit?
Culture fit is more than shared values, visions, and goals. It also includes:
- Aligned behaviors
- Effective communication
- A collective sense of purpose
These qualities probably won’t appear on a resume, so it’s up to you to uncover them during the hiring process. By prioritizing culture fit, you’ll build a cohesive team where each person is invested in your company’s success.
Start With the Foundation
Your company probably has a set of core values, a distinct vision, and a defined purpose. These elements are non-negotiable. They form the foundation upon which your company operates.
According to OnHires, 84% of recruiters say culture fit is one of the key factors in hiring. Screening for culture fit is crucial because it allows you to filter out candidates who lack alignment with your company’s values, vision, and purpose despite having the right skills.
For example, in the construction world, safety is paramount, but this value must already be ingrained in a job seeker. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how experienced a rodbuster is if he doesn’t align with your company’s safety value.
Maximize Candidate Potential
Prioritizing culture fit gives you greater flexibility in hiring. If a candidate passes your culture fit test but lacks the skills for the specific job, you can consider alternative opportunities within your company.
Maybe they don’t have enough experience for the foreman position you’re hiring for, but they would be the right fit for your other crew’s heavy equipment operator role.
By considering culture fit first, you maximize the potential of each candidate while building a strong team that aligns with your company’s values and vision.
Create Memorable Moments
Employee experience shapes company dynamics and culture, from recruiting to the daily work environment.
These defining moments, whether positive or negative, leave a lasting impression on employees and impact their engagement and commitment to your company.
By prioritizing the employee experience, you can foster a sense of belonging and loyalty that’s far more attractive than monetary incentives.
Drive Success Through Culture Fit
When people feel valued, appreciated, and empowered in their role, they’re more likely to become a cheerleader for your company. Their praise will attract passive job seekers who also want to work somewhere that values their efforts.
“People want to feel special. They want to feel valued. If we can solve that, we can solve a lot of other problems.” – Ryan Englin, CEO of Core Matters
By prioritizing culture fit, you can address those needs while also driving success.
Genuine culture fit and connection to your company’s values and vision leads to increased productivity, innovation, and long-term growth. Focusing on the importance of employee experience and culture fit makes your company stand out as a desirable place to work. This strategy attracts top talent, fosters a cohesive team environment, and drives growth, especially in competitive industries where skilled labor is in high demand.
