By Mel Kleiman, president, Humetrics
Often, interviewers try to determine how well an applicant would fit the existing corporate culture by asking questions like:
- “Are you willing to work late hours?”
- “Do you prefer to be part of a team or to work independently?
- Is it important to you to have a private work space?”
While culture fit should be considered, insisting upon it denies you the benefits diversity brings in terms of points-of-view and new ideas. Moreover, it is much more important to hire for values like those expressed through attitudes like work ethic, integrity and a willingness to take responsibility. After all, perhaps the person who is willing to work late only wants to because of a difficult relationship at home, not because it’s important to get the job done no matter what.
