Are you the right fit? How to show you match an organisation’s values as well as technical skills
We recently asked the employers in our LinkedIn community what the hardest thing to find in a candidate was - the right skills fit, the right attitude/values fit, the right salary fit, or the right hours/location fit.
The results showed that employers thought the most difficult thing to find was a candidate who fitted with the organisation’s values and had the right attitude.
It’s not altogether surprising that the result came out this way. As one of the respondents said, “Attitude and values can't be trained, or adopted, they are at a person's core”.
And it’s true - skills can be taught but values are harder to learn or to change if you don’t currently fit. An employee who can do the job but doesn’t share the values of the organisation or the team can have a negative impact. A team member who shares those values is more likely to contribute positively, be a longer-term employee and want to do their best for the organisation.
So, as a jobseeker, how do you convey that you have the right attitude as well as the right skills?
Top tips for showing how you match an organisation’s culture
#1 Do your research
Before you apply, get to know the company beyond the basic job description. Look through their website and social media to get an idea of how they view themselves and the work they do. Understanding this helps you firstly to decide if you would be a good match for the company and secondly to tailor your application to reflect shared values.
#2 Tailor your cover letter
Your cover letter is your first opportunity to connect your values with the organisation’s. Include what attracted you to the organisation beyond the job itself and what you share in terms of vision and values.
#3 Use examples in your CV and interviews
As well as highlighting your hard skills and demonstrating technical experience, you can use your CV to highlight your values too. For instance, talk about a time you collaborated across departments and worked as a team or spearheaded a project that benefited the wider community.
#4 Ask questions
Remember, interviews are a two-way street and you should also have a chance to ask questions of the interviewer or panel. If you get the opportunity, ask questions about the organisation’s culture as well as practical questions about skills or job benefits. This helps show that you are interested in the culture too.
#5 Be authentic
If you’re genuinely excited about the company’s values and culture, it will show naturally. If you are genuinely excited, then perhaps it’s time to reconsider your application.
Matching skills might land you the job, but matching values is what helps you build a fulfilling, long-term career.
And don’t forget, it’s important for your own well-being to find an organisation that matches your values and has a great work culture. Read more about avoiding red flags.
