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WHEN selecting job applicants to interview, employers consider factors such as skills, experience and educational background – which are easy to quantify based on a resume.

However it is essential that they consider throwing ‘cultural fit’ into the mix as well, because it will determine whether or not a talented new employee will complement the business at more than just a skill level.

Cultural fit is about the values, ethics, and mindset of the applicant, and whether these things align with your business’s own values, ethics, and mindset.

While it’s harder to quantify, a cultural fit is playing a more vital role these days for a potential employee’s success in any new business. Here are five reasons why:

Cultural fit can be your company’s competitive edge

If your company’s unique selling point is being known for its innovation, you’re going to try to focus on finding competent innovators when you’re hiring. By hiring based on qualities that your company culture values, you’re ensuring your company’s competitiveness based on those qualities.

A good cultural fit encourages employee loyalty

Though new employees are often very excited about their new jobs, the romance of a new job may not last long. They will start to see differences and problems that prevent them from fitting in or working effectively. You can avoid that by hiring a candidate who is a good fit for your company’s existing culture and processes.

You can upskill an employee, but culture fit is ingrained

It is easy to send an employee to conferences, workshops, and any additional training where they can acquire new skills or improve their existing ones. But, you cannot force an employee to follow your company culture. As you can see, hiring for cultural fit has great benefits for your company. While you still have to look for competence and communication skills, cultural fit should also be an important factor in your hiring decisions.

A good cultural fit gives new employees a head-start

A good cultural fit gives new employees a head start in getting along with existing employees.
Your new employee needs to quickly and effectively become part of a company’s existing team. This is much easier to do if your employees share common values, ethics, and mindsets when it comes to work. New hires will not feel like outsiders, and it will quickly be apparent to them how they can contribute to the rest of the team.

It’s easier to match expectations with a good cultural fit

Your employees’ expectations regarding flexible working schedules, remuneration and work-life balance should match your company’s. Otherwise, employees may feel resentment if they expect better work-life balance even if your company’s employees are known for diligence, hard work and working late.

Cultural fit adds intangible value to an organisation. Some businesses thrive on the fantastic dynamics of their employees, resulting in a high energy work environment.

The measurement of cultural fit of a potential employee is often difficult, but there are tools that organisations can utilise such as psychometric tests where the individual’s aptitudes, personality, work styles, motivation and values are tested.

These tests provide a valid means of gaining detailed, objective insight regarding an applicant’s suitability for the role beyond their basic skills, experience and qualifications.