We have all heard it before, so and so wasn’t offered the job because he or she didn’t fit the employer’s needs. Recruiters talk about it, candidates hope for it and employers search for it but what does being a good fit actually mean?
The definition of a good fit is often determined by those conducting the interview and it is basically a mixture of both personality and skills. Fit means you demonstrate emotional intelligence skills, and have the ability to read and adapt to the situation at hand.
So when an interviewer asks you about your hobbies, the latest book you’ve read and who you most admire? It’s not really about your hobbies or the last title of the book, it’s about getting a glimpse of your personality. In addition to your background, employers look for your sense of humor, how flexible you are in stressful situations and your ability to problem solve.
To those who tend to be more concrete in their thinking, the idea of not landing a job when you meet all the criteria seems foreign, yet the truth is that hiring is based mostly on the “fit” rather than skills unless it is a highly technical field and even then a likeability factor is considered.
When employers use the “good fit” explanation as a rejection, it’s a polite way of choosing one candidate over the other without a lot of information. Much like a code word, “fit” can conjure up a number of guesses from candidates who genuinely matched the job description but didn’t land the job.
While there are no sets of rules that define a good fit everyone knows when it occurs, you as well as the decision maker. The good fit happens when your personality and interests naturally blends with the needs of the employer, both on a technical and emotional level.
Can you create a good fit environment when talking to prospective employers?
Yes, when you do your homework in understanding the company culture. Do your research and develop an understanding of their products and services. Glassdoor and LinkedIn are great ways to help you research company cultures. Look for themes that employees mention when describing the work environment and the type of experience that seems to appeal to the employer.
It helps to remember the greatest concern that all managers secretly harbor and that is making the wrong hire. Becoming a good fit requires that you address the employer’s concerns. For example, can you perform the job? How enthusiastic are you in the position? How difficult will you be to manage?
How do you convince a potential employer that you are a good fit?
Listen to their needs, reflect on what they are looking for and focus more on helping them solve their problems before you start touting your abilities. Observe how employees interact with one another, and pay attention to their nonverbal behavior and dress style.
Answer and ask questions with enthusiasm for the job by always presenting your value backed up with results. Fit has everything to do with you getting the job because you spend the majority of your time at work. Being qualified for the job is a plus, but it will not guarantee an offer.
What do you think being a good fit means? Would you hire someone based on personality more than skills?
