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7 Interview Questions That Assess Cultural Fit and How to Answer Them

by | CAREER GUIDANCE, Job Hunting

Company culture refers to the shared values, practices, and beliefs of what an organization stands for. It can easily be explained as the personality of a business, including its mission, expectations, and work atmosphere.

Usually, talent management searches for candidates whose own values, beliefs, outlook, and behavior suit their company's culture. Why? The answer is simple. Employees that match the company's personality and fit well within the work environment are more likely to be satisfied and happy with their job. As a result, the likelihood of talent retention increases, as well as their job performance.

During an interview process, behavioral questions such as, “Give us an example of someone you worked well with,” allows talent management to evaluate if your style and attitude are suited for the company. Your responses reveal your unique skills, abilities, and personality.

Crafting a great answer to behavioral questions can be tricky. Luckily for you, we have a full list of tips on how to answer them!

1. How would your colleagues describe you (if you are working) or how would your classmates describe you (if you are studying or have recently graduated)?

A helpful tip to prepare for this type of question is to ask someone close to you to describe an occasion in which you were your best self. This will allow you to get a good picture of the positive attributes others see in you. Describe yourself in a positive light that demonstrates you share the values of the company – hopefully, we assume, you have done your homework and know what the organization’s culture is about! -. But don’t overdo it, you don’t want to come off as arrogant!

2. What motivates you?

Hiring managers want to know what makes you tick. It's also a way to determine whether your motivators and personality will be a fit for the job duties. When answering this question, be honest — but keep your audience in mind. For example, if you are applying to be a receptionist, an answer built around your passion for helping others and providing excellent customer service might be a stronger answer than saying you are individually motivated and prefer to work alone. Make sure to address your best skills and abilities fitted for the job.

3. Tell me about a team project when you had to work with someone difficult.

Here, talent management wants to evaluate how you handle stressful situations and whether you are a good team player or not. Remember, you must be able to deal with conflict professionally to succeed at work. The best way to answer this question is to briefly describe the context that arose (without getting caught up in unnecessary details), talk about the key actions you took, and finish with a positive description of the outcome of your efforts.

You might encounter similar questions to this one, like: “Tell us about a particular time when you had to deal with an unexpected situation?” You want to show the interviewer you have the problem-solving skills needed to manage conflict.

4. Tell us about a particular achievement at work or school.

At this point of the interview, talent management wants to find out what you’ve done that sets you apart from the rest of the candidates. Choose a story that highlights your best qualities and makes you stand out. Consider moments in your career or life that you are proudest of and emphasize what you value in those moments. That way, you can show the interviewer how well your values link with those of the company’s culture.

5. Describe an occasion when you made a customer or client pleased with the service you gave them.

This is your chance to showcase you can go above and beyond when it comes to doing your job. Prepare an answer that describes a genuine example of your excellent service skills. Remember to mention the key actions you took and the finishing results that made the client pleased with your service.

6. Do you prefer working alone or as part of a team?

It might seem like the obvious answer is to respond you prefer to work as part of a team. But there are positive aspects to both options. Mention your preference, but explain that you’re flexible. For example, if you prefer working alone, a better way to express it is by saying: “I can work independently to complete my tasks on time, but I also enjoy brainstorming and collaborating with my colleagues.” Choose your answer depending on the job and project needed to be done.

7. What would you do if you don’t get the job?

Look for another one? That might be the obvious answer. But, this question allows the interviewer to measure how you deal with obstacles or failure. If it so happens that you are asked this question, be sure to express that you will use this experience as an opportunity for improvement. End it on a positive note!

There are no right or wrong answers, but preparing in advance will increase your confidence for your interview and will help you make a stronger impression.

Now that you’re done answering questions, you want to measure your own fit within the company. Here is a list of the best questions to ask at the end of an interview that’ll help you decide if the job you’re applying to is a good fit for you as well.

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