What is Your Cultural Fit?

When people are looking for a job opportunity, many of them forget to ask about the cultural environment of the organization. Cultural Environment is anything from the dress code policy, management style, communication style, to how the office and your work space is decorated. A software developing company's, Hyland Software, Global Headquarters is in Westlake, Ohio. This is a fast growing company that has offices around the world and has prized themselves on how they value their employees. With an onsite daycare, beauty salon, massage spa, a diner, and let’s not forget the two slides they have as alternatives for taking the stairs, they definitely incorporate a more casual atmosphere at this location. I have heard nothing but wonderful things from those who work there but it’s not a working environment for everyone. Depending on personality, generational upbringing, etc., this may not be the type of company you would excel in.

A young man was having an interview at Hyland Software this past April and it was apparent by his attire chosen for this event. He was wearing a suit and brought with him the accessories that completed his image (i.e. pad folio, expensive pen, etc.). The look on his face when his interviewer approached him wearing flip flops and shorts was priceless! I can’t report on if this person was offered or even took the position but if this was his usual business attire that he feels comfortable in, he may not have enjoyed this type of working environment. Their company culture is relaxed and creative. They promote an environment that encourages innovation and trust in their workforce.

Is there something wrong with a laid back dress code?

Marketing companies are notorious for a creative and sometimes less than business professional dress code. One company located in downtown Cleveland doesn’t really have a dress code at all. The VP of Sales was interviewing a sales candidate for a Manager of Sales position in jeans, t-shirt, and gym shoes. The interviewee however, came dressed in your typical interview attire- slacks, shirt, tie, and jacket. He was actually uncomfortable with how the interviewer was so casually dressed for this interview and had to wonder when the sales board didn’t reflect much profit or sales for the quarter. Unlike Hyland Software, the company’s management style and working conditions are not as relaxed as their dress code. Based on appearance only, they look like a laid back, work-friendly, and “exciting” company to work for, but their strict work hours and micro-management leadership shows another picture. It is the inconsistencies between image and behavior that doesn’t appeal to high-qualified professionals.

An organization should be trying to identify if you are the best fit not only for the job, but for their corporate culture as well. If there seems to be a match, here are some questions you can use when interviewing that will help determine if this is the right fit for your personality and values:

1. What is the cultural environment or corporate culture here? (be aware- this is not always answered directly so be prepared for more follow up questions)
2. What kinds of activities happen each month to promote teamwork and positive communication?
3. What would a typical staff meeting be like here?
4. If they say they offer flex time- “Can you provide me of an example of someone who works here that has taken advantage of flex time and describe what their schedule looks like?'

These are just a few questions to help you uncover the personality of the company and if it is compatible with yours. There is nothing worse than taking a position with a company who convinced you they have a very professional environment and when you start, you quickly realize that profanity, being late, jeans & t-shirts, and yelling back and forth is the cultural norm.