Don't Be Afraid to Make Interviews Fun

So you've found the *perfect* candidate. Are you sure they will be a good culture fit? Read on to see why that is so important.

What's your favorite hiring memory? Mine is the time I asked a candidate if they played football at the end of their interview. Insight had just started a flag football league (sponsored by Lenovo), and our little finance team was in desperate need of a QB. We were getting crushed in scrimmages, despite probably being one of the youngest, most athletic and most in shape teams. The candidate commented they did play football and were a 'pretty good' QB. They had already nailed the interview at that point, so I said, "If you are willing to play on our flag football team, you're hired." (I should note, this candidate would not have lost the role, if they had declined to play on the team.) 

Turns out he was, in fact, a pretty darn good QB and overall stellar employee. We went on to crush the season and win the Insight Bowl Flag Football Championship. I found a fun reminder of that over the weekend while cleaning out some old boxes. 

Don't forget to keep your interviews fun after checking the qualifications boxes. Personality is important when building a great team, and the last thing you want is someone with a bad vibe that will upend your team. While it's important to strive for a diverse mix of individuals, it's equally important to make sure they can work together. 

Keep in mind, "culture fit" does not and should not translate to homogenous. Diversity of ideas, backgrounds, and experiences will strengthen a team. Being a good culture fit means they will be able to adapt and adjust, while also contributing to your team. Maybe your team makes sports games, and a candidate hates all sports, thinking they are a waste of time, probably not the right fit. 

Lastly, keep in mind that they are more likely to bail on you, once *they* discover this team isn't the kind of place they feel comfortable. Checking for culture fit helps both the candidate and the employer in the long run.

Note to candidates- This applies in both directions! During your interview, don't be afraid to ask questions about the culture and values of the company. If a company is resistant to answer them, that is an immediate red flag. Make sure what the company values aligns with your personal goals for your career. 

51st Street Locos for life!