Why Hiring for Culture Fit Is Important

Regardless of the industry or business you operate in, it’s the people who work there that make the biggest impact. So, it should come as no surprise that hiring a person who complements your company culture—aka a ‘culture fit’—is a wise decision.

But what does hiring for culture fit actually mean? And is it more important to have someone who aligns with your company’s values and working style, or someone who ticks the boxes in terms of skills and experience? As recruitment specialists, Emanate Technology has years of experience matching clients and candidates in the fast-paced tech industry, so we understand the importance of a cultural fit. 

In this article, we explore why culture fit is important, what it means, and how you can hire someone who will complement your business, with expert insights from Emanate Technology’s Victoria Director, Jon-Paul Hoey. 

What is culture fit? And what is it not?

In the past, you’d probably never find the word ‘culture’ on a job ad. These days, though, companies are realising more and more why culture fit matters. However, a culture fit isn’t someone who looks, thinks, and acts the same as everyone else on your team. Instead, it’s about finding someone who aligns with your values and behaviours, and adds a whole lot more, too. 

“I prefer the term culture add, rather than culture fit,” Jon-Paul says. “Fit implies we’re looking for somebody to slot neatly into an existing mould, as if there’s only one right shape to complete the puzzle. As you know, culture isn’t static. It evolves.” 

When companies hire a cultural match, the rewards are immediate. And they’re even greater when hiring for culture fit is balanced with a diverse team that’s passionate about its work. An inclusive team is 10 times more likely to innovate and 8 times more likely to be satisfied with their job, compared to non-inclusive teams. In tech, especially, the benefits are countless.

Why culture fit is important in the tech industry

Every business and industry can benefit from hiring for cultural fit, but it’s particularly valuable in the tech sector. “In technology, the industry itself and formations of teams evolve fast,” Jon-Paul says. 

“Being open and adaptable are key indicators for success in candidates, but they must be complemented by what actually matters to the individual. So, I dig into their ability to shape a business as much as their skill set.”

In the world of tech, teams rely on collaboration, communication, and shared ownership. Unlike technical skills, these are hard to teach. When you add a good culture fit to your team, they bring their own skillset and an ability to: 

• Reduce turnover and improve retention
• Boost productivity
• Improve employee satisfaction
• Reduce onboarding time

On the other hand, hiring only for cultural sameness can lead to problems. A lack of innovation, missed opportunities to build well-rounded teams, and overlooked skills. And with Australian businesses recently under the spotlight for exclusionary hiring practices, it’s more important than ever to consider all candidates.

How to hire for culture fit

The first step towards hiring for culture fit is understanding your company’s culture. After all, without knowing the cultural values that matter to you, you can’t find the right team members to bring them on board.

According to Jon-Paul, when businesses know who they are, they can begin to tell a genuine and compelling story about their culture. “Ask yourself: what are the behaviours that we reward and value? What are the non-negotiables, especially under pressure? And most importantly, what do we need more of?”

Typically, the interview stage is the best time to feel out whether a candidate is a good cultural fit. So, what are culture fit questions you can ask? Here are a few:

• What kind of environment helps you do your best work?
• How do you handle feedback or team conflict?
• What does your ideal company culture look like?

You should also include information about your company’s culture and values in the job advertisement. To ensure you attract the best candidates, a recruitment partner can help with the process.

How your recruitment partner can help

At Emanate Technology, our expert recruiters know precisely how to assess candidates for culture fit. Our role is to find someone who complements your business, rather than copying what you already have. 

“The main things I look for when bringing someone on as a culture fit are how they operate, what drives them, and how they interact with others,” Jon-Paul says. “The most important ones for me are self-awareness about their strengths and blind spots, a willingness to learn and evolve with the business, and whether they communicate openly. In technology, these traits are especially important.”

When you partner with us, we look beyond skills and qualifications to help you find candidates who align with your company’s mindset and values. You can utilise our insights and expertise to mitigate hiring bias, comprehend the nuances of hiring for the tech industry, and better understand your own company culture.

How can candidates assess culture fit? 

Just as employers want to hire and retain the best people, candidates also want to ensure they’re working for an organisation that’s a solid culture fit. As a job seeker, you should feel empowered to assess companies to see whether their values align with yours. To do so, ask questions about:

• Team dynamics
• Work environments
• Flexibility
• Decision-making processes
• Leadership style
• Conflict resolution

Even if a role isn’t a good culture fit, it can help you figure out what you want from an employer and a workplace. So, it’s worth asking the questions to learn more about your own requirements.

Making culture fit a part of your hiring process

“Culture isn’t a line on your careers' page,” Jon-Paul says. “It’s how decisions are made, how businesses operate, how feedback is given, and how people behave. When you figure out the formula to hire for culture fit in a fair and inclusive way, your team and organisation will reap the rewards.”

Ready to add value to your team? Emanate Technology understands the nuances of tech recruitment, and we’ve been matching clients with their ideal candidates for years. Speak to our team today about how we can help you.