Corporate culture gets a bad reputation from candidates and editorials on the subject. Many job seekers are discouraged when they are passed up for a job because they were not a “good fit” for the organization. However, it is important to hire individuals who can adapt to the company culture and who share your businesses ethics, work style and values. The key is communicating this effectively from the start. Here are some ways you can use interviews to determine how to hire the best qualified candidate who will excel in your specific company.
- “Describe the type of company where you’re most comfortable.” This question gets right to the heart of the matter. If your company is laid back and the candidate prefers a more professional environment then you will have some idea of how they may not be a good fit for your organization. Look for them to offer words or concepts that the company uses when describing itself. Also, watch the body language to understand if the responses are genuine. They may be stating their answers in ways they think you want to hear.
- “What kind of manager do you like to work for?” This will give you an idea of how they interact with individuals in leadership roles. Do they prefer someone who is hands on or someone who allows them creative control over their projects? You already have an established management team so it is best to hire individuals who can work well within the current framework.
- “What did you love most about your last job?” This is a more positive way to find out about the candidate’s previous position without asking why they left. If they have nothing positive to say about the experience then you are right to raise a red flag. You want to hire someone who can be engaged with the company.
- “What would you consider your role in a team work environment?” Of course, no employee is an island so you also want to determine how this candidate can fit in with the remainder of your team. Not only do you want to know how they fit in professionally but also personally. Does this person share values or interests with the rest of the crew?
- “What motivates you as an employee?” This question is rarely asked but is probably the most important. It helps to drill down to determine what is most important for the candidate in terms of engagement and motivation. Is it money, time off, the opportunity to do good work? If their motivation doesn’t fit in with the way your organization is run they may not be fulfilled working with you.
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