Q: Last week you talked about incorporating the company’s values into the hiring process.  You advised companies to post their core values and expected behaviors on their websites for applicants to see and suggested they explore them further during the interview.  As an applicant, what kinds of questions should I be prepared for? 

A: The rationale for posting company values and expected behaviors early in the hiring process is to help job seekers like you avoid applying for a job at an organization whose values you -the applicant- don’t support.  This is a big time saver for everyone.

Let’s assume you’ve researched the company’s values and like what you find.  You then apply for the job, meet the qualifications and get an interview.  If the company uses the interview to further explore value alignment, you can expect “culture fit” questions, such as:

• What did you like and dislike about the culture at your last employer?
• Describe your ideal work environment.
• Based on what you know about our values, what do you think it takes to be successful here?
• Which of your personal qualities will best fit-in with our culture?
• Which of our values will be the most challenging for you to live-up-to?

Of course, a job interview is a two-way street.  So when it’s your turn to ask questions, you can also probe the company’s suitability with your own values and preferences. Consider asking:

• Which company value contributes the most to ones’ success here?
• Is adherence to company values part of performance evaluations? (This shows accountability.)
• Which cultural values have made you (the interviewer) want to stay with the company?

A good culture fit is essential for a successful, long-term employment experience.  I’ve found the greatest contributor to job failure and dissatisfaction is a poor cultural fit.  If your core beliefs and values differ from that of your employer, it’s difficult to develop an effective working relationship, much less succeed and be happy.  So, unless you’re looking for a short-term gig until the economy improves, culture fit should weigh as a major factor when accepting your next job offer.  You won’t be sorry.

© Copyright Eva De Rio – Published in The Gainesville Sun on July 31, 2011