Culture fit?

[Uncultured101]

So I have been looking for a new job for a while now and I’ve never come across this before.

I’ve had 3 interviews with a firm so far and now the last stage is a cultural fit call and is my opportunity to ask questions and I guess they’re seeing if I’ll fit into their vibe. I’ve never had this before in the 20 years of work.

So my AIBU is this: aibu to think at the 4th stage this is kind of unnecessary? I’ve spoken about hobbies etc in previous stages so who knows what else they want to know about me.

Anyone got any tips for these kind of “interviews”? Like how does the call typically go and what should I ask?

4th stage?! Bloody hell.

I would do some research about the company and try and reflect their values. Look on linked in, the gran etc for key players and see what they are all about too?

Any company that bangs on about ‘culture’ in my experience wants you to work long hours for no extra pay and revere the leader like a god.

This may be my bias after working for a travel company with a cult-like working environment.

I've not heard of this before but I'd go on their website and read their statements on diversity and inclusion etc, and see if you can find anything there to talk about. It does seem an unnecessary hoop to jump through to me, but could be a good opportunity to show off what you've researched about the company in the questions you ask. I'd also try and read employee reviews on glassdoor (or whatever it's called) and is there anything you can get from linkedin?

Hopefully a HR person will be along in a minute to give more info!

I had one for a small VC firm years ago. I failed it. To be fair, although I was gutted at the time, it was the right call. It would have been disastrous. One that basis, I'd say don't prep for it and "take your whole self" .

Nothing unusual at all! It's a competitive market and it's important your character and personality mixes well with the team.

Normal in my line of work. With the 4th stage of interview.
As PP said, check core values , whether they have a mission statement, green / eco / community initiatives… etc.
Glass door and LinkedIn highly recommended. Look up potential line managers and colleagues and their interest.
This has nothing to do with your hobby but whether you can gel with their team members.

I work for an amazing company who takes it seriously! And I am glad they do. Everyone I work for shares the same values (or can be reminded of them)

I've had this for multiple roles, it's mainly about can you get on with the team, are you the right level of nice, do you have a bit of banter, would they trust you around clients, do they think you can stand your ground when needed

This sounds like the very opposite of promoting diversity and inclusion because they're more likely to pick someone who is like their current employees, especially in age, sex and schooling/background.

Or, like a PP says, they expect 'the firm' to become your entire working and social life so you won't get on if you can't or don't want to go drinking with them and attend team building events outside working hours.

Might as well go for it, but don't forget it also gives you the opportunity to decide that this company might not be for you as much as they decide that you're not a good fit for them.

Everyone I work for shares the same values (or can be reminded of them)

Seems a step towards a dictatorship to me.

This sounds like the very opposite of promoting diversity and inclusion because they're more likely to pick someone who is like their current employees, especially in age, sex and schooling/background

Agree- people tend to feel more comfortable with people more like them and, even if they don't recognise it, are more likely to hire/ promote those people.

Have you looked them up on Glassdoor and Indeed? Be interesting to know what their workplace culture is like vs how they portray it.

@Insert1x20p

This sounds like the very opposite of promoting diversity and inclusion because they're more likely to pick someone who is like their current employees, especially in age, sex and schooling/background

Agree- people tend to feel more comfortable with people more like them and, even if they don't recognise it, are more likely to hire/ promote those people.

100% this. The business I work for is very laddish. Anybody not like that tends to be weeded out because “not a good cultural fit”. Except on my team, but I’m in a small minority of women so can’t do much!

@Penistoe

Everyone I work for shares the same values (or can be reminded of them)

Seems a step towards a dictatorship to me.

Hmmm… glad my colleagues don’t think so! We helped each other through some deep s* 🤣

Hope you enjoy your work environment ☺️

Thanks for your comments so far!

Yeah I am in two minds if it’s a good thing or just a way to get a non diverse/very samey office. I’ll be on glass door/all their socials later to get a sense of their vibe!

I loathe my current job so I’m desperate to get a new one which might be clouding my judgement - I just want a new job so I’m prepared to sit through a culture check!

Don’t worry, it’s generally a good thing! In my experience mainly to try to weed out the nightmare psychopath colleagues