by Janice Heath

Created on: June 07, 2009

Businesses often focus on the skills and qualifications of potential employees, but do not always question whether the employee will be a good fit for their organization. When choosing an employee it is of course essential to select a candidate who possesses the required skills. Some consideration however should also be given to the candidate's ability to adapt to the particular business environment and interact positively with the existing staff and customers.

What is meant by a good fit? There are numerous factors that contribute to building and maintaining an effective and harmonious workplace. When attempting to ascertain whether a prospective employee will be a good fit for your organization, taking into account the following factors will help ensure the selection of employees who will be valuable additions to the organization.

Workplace Culture

How would you describe your workplace culture? Formal? Relaxed? Frantic? Focussed? Compassionate? What kind of person would best fit into this culture? For example, an accountancy firm may have strict dress requirements and a formal office environment. A prospective employee with a very relaxed approach would possibly be a poor fit in this situation. A not-for-profit organization would seek employees with a level of empathy for their cause. An advertising agency may seek employees who are cutting edge in their dress, language and technical knowledge. Choosing employees who fit in with the established image and culture of an organization is a logical course, unless of course there is a desire to change the established culture and recruitment of new employees is going forward with that change in mind.

Management Styles

Management styles can vary from department to department in an organization and a new employee may be under the supervision of more than one Manager. Some people operate well and in fact thrive, when being micromanaged. Others prefer to be left to organize their own work and ask for guidance and direction only when necessary. Some people respond well to an authoritarian style whereas others desire a more consultative approach. A common question at interview is how do you like to be managed? Ensure a prospective employee is comfortable with the way they will be managed and the ways in which their performance will be measured. A high level of turnover can be expected when Managers and staff have widely different standards and preferences in this regard.

Structure

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