What you do off the clock might matter more than what you do while on it.
Well, you finally earned that college degree from Enormous State University and landed an interview with that company you've dreamed about for years. Your suit is cleaned and pressed and your hair looks like you just got out of the barber's chair. You have done your research, know your worth and you're so sure of yourself that you're ready to negotiate a salary. You've rehearsed answers to every possible question and delivered them with confidence.
But then you are asked:
What is your favorite movie?
What's the last book you read?
Where's the last place you went on vacation?
What TV shows do you watch most often?
They are questions that you wouldn't hesitate to answer on a date or when you're trying to get a phone number, but in this setting, on a job interview, you're thrown. The reality is that they are becoming more common by the day.
The term "culture fit" has turned into a popular buzz word among human resource professionals. The idea is that for a company to remain functional, let alone profitable, its employees must be on the same page or at least in the same chapter. So if you're looking for a job in IT and you have all the necessary skills, you still may be passed over for someone who has more in common with the staff already there. It's like the guy who never came to class but could charm the teacher into giving him an A.
With the job market forcing more companies to be creative and strategic with their hires, it's important to prepare for the "culture fit" queries. Knowing how to answer the question can be more valuable than having the right answer.
Here's how to approach some "culture" fit questions from Mergers and Acquisitions and About.com.
(For the record, if you are asked to name your favorite movie, please, never, under any circumstances, say Menace II Society.)
http://loop21.com/culture/are-you-prepared-culture-fit-job-interview
Well, you finally earned that college degree from Enormous State University and landed an interview with that company you've dreamed about for years. Your suit is cleaned and pressed and your hair looks like you just got out of the barber's chair. You have done your research, know your worth and you're so sure of yourself that you're ready to negotiate a salary. You've rehearsed answers to every possible question and delivered them with confidence.
But then you are asked:
What is your favorite movie?
What's the last book you read?
Where's the last place you went on vacation?
What TV shows do you watch most often?
They are questions that you wouldn't hesitate to answer on a date or when you're trying to get a phone number, but in this setting, on a job interview, you're thrown. The reality is that they are becoming more common by the day.
The term "culture fit" has turned into a popular buzz word among human resource professionals. The idea is that for a company to remain functional, let alone profitable, its employees must be on the same page or at least in the same chapter. So if you're looking for a job in IT and you have all the necessary skills, you still may be passed over for someone who has more in common with the staff already there. It's like the guy who never came to class but could charm the teacher into giving him an A.
With the job market forcing more companies to be creative and strategic with their hires, it's important to prepare for the "culture fit" queries. Knowing how to answer the question can be more valuable than having the right answer.
Here's how to approach some "culture" fit questions from Mergers and Acquisitions and About.com.
(For the record, if you are asked to name your favorite movie, please, never, under any circumstances, say Menace II Society.)
http://loop21.com/culture/are-you-prepared-culture-fit-job-interview
