Still looking for culture fit? Stop it.

People are still talking about culture fit. Hiring managers still think it's a valid concept. "Culture fit". If this is a phrase you're still using, know that you're missing out.

Here’s an article (that’s not really an article) to remind us all that these mistakes are still being made. There are real people experiencing these situations, trying to navigate their way through it. This is a pretty fresh, anonymised email chain between me and someone I know from the ad industry. A very talented someone. Word for word besides the pleasantries top and tailing emails which i’ve taken out. Note that he still wanted the job to begin with even with all his spidey senses tingling.

 Read it. Believe it. Share it. Check yourselves.  

Email to me: 

How’s things? I need to get something off my chest but don’t want to do it publicly, so I hope you mind if I come to you with it. 

 I feel a little uneasy after an interview I had yesterday and I have to get it off my chest.

I was already uneasy prior to the interview. I was told the main purpose of the interview is to assess if I was the right fit for the company ‘culturally.’ I thought this was a good thing as I tend to come across quite well in interviews and unless the culture they’re looking for is “no passion, no desire, no energy,” then I should do quite well. I started doing my research on the company, and the very first thing that came to mind was “wow, nice offices.” The very next thing that came to mind was “wow, everyone is white.” Now that isn’t a problem at all. I’ve only ever worked in companies that are disproportionately white compared to the local population. I’ve even worked at companies where I’ve either been the only non-white employee or the only Muslim employee. Again, no problem. However, the reasons why the colour of this company stood out to me was because:

1. They’re based in Paddington, which is one of the most diverse parts of London. London already being one of the most diverse cities in the world. And the cultural make-up of this company is clearly very different to the local area. Or London, or even the country.
2. Because the main aim of the interview was to access if I would be a cultural fit…. 

The reasons why I felt even more uneasy follow the interview was because:

1. The interviewer seemed disinterested from the very start of the interview. Asking me out-dated interview questions off a piece of paper, not taking any notes. 
2. When I asked “how would you describe the culture of the company,” she said that everyone is a high achiever, they push each other, hungry for success. Which sounds great. I would like to think I am all of those things. She also mentioned “we hire the same type of people, everyone is the same.” Now putting aside all of the recent research that suggests hiring the same personality type is counter-productive, stifles creativity and diversity of thought, what came to my mind was “is that why everyone is white?”

 The recent BLM movement has liberated my thought process on a number of issues, hiring policy being one of them. However, I accept I could be looking at this wrong. In fact, at the start of the year, I probably wouldn’t have even noticed the skin colour of the people that work there had it not been for the recent diversity movement. But look at it this way: put yourself in the shoes of a white person, interviewing at a company where everyone is black, based in the middle of a very white area. The interviewer is black. And that person tells you “we hire the same type of people, everyone is the same.” What would you think…?

"Don’t get me wrong, I still want the job because I’m confident I could smash it at this place. But will I pass the ‘cultural’ test…? "

Let’s wait and see. 

My reply to him:

Question for you - What would be useful for you here? Is it just to get something off your chest and therefore you’re kinda done? Would you like my/our opinion/advice/commentary on what happened? Or would you like to have some coaching style questions that may offer you further/deeper reflections? 

I’m happy to provide any or all! 

His reply to me:

The aim of my email was to let people know about this old fashioned behaviour but I didn't want to do it publicly, if that makes sense...

 Of course, your opinion on it would be appreciated.

 There has been an update to this by the way. Here's their feedback: 

 "Although <name> came across like an extremely nice guy & he also prepped some great questions, we feel on this occasion that he isn’t suitable for <company name>. This is due to company culture fit. Although <name> had great energy, the culture here is a little more laid back than how <name> came across."

Interesting. 

My reply to him:

My opinion is that this is the exact type of archaic, excluding, boring and bullshit culture that needs to be left behind. Probably a great example of a racist culture and business. And it will be left behind as they miss out on the best talent out there. 

My opinion is that they are a cliche of bad behaviour and that it’s EXTREMELY likely, if not fact, that you would hate it there. You are above that type of shit, and frankly the learnings to be had are that interviews are as much for you to learn about them and assess them, as they are for them to learn about and assess you. 

I know times are tough and perhaps I’m coming at this from a position of privilege as I have a job, but honestly.. you are better than that. 

"If you can afford to, look for the organisations that are looking for culture add, not culture fit. Our differences are what make us great."

Fuck <company name>.

Over and out. 

His reply to me:

Culture add, not culture fit... boom. 

It's disgraceful that this still happens but it's important for people to know that it happens. I asked the question a few weeks/months ago... what happens when the hashtags and the blackout Tuesdays end...? The same thing that has previously happened. People forget until it's back in the news again for something tragic. 

As a job seeker, I don't have the guts to make this public because it may reflect badly on me and jeopardise my employment prospects. I would however be happy for you to publish if everything is anonymous. 

My point to you:

"Culture fit." Just stop it.