I am totally at a lost. I finished a contract assignment the end of May. Since then I have been fortunate enough to have been on many interviews, both phone and in person, but no job offer. I'm 58 years old but that can be determined by my resume. The only comments I have received are 1). I'm not a cultural fit and 2). That I didn't properly call out my experience (I corrected that). What the H..LL is cultural fit? The interviews seem to go well. I just don't know what I'm doing wrong?! I'm really desperate at this point. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I'm a contract analyst/certified paralegal. HELP!
Cultural fit can mean a lot of things. For example, I did my research on a company, and their culture was such that they'd do whatever it takes to get it right.
In my interview they asked me whether I would rather get 50% of the work done and do it right, or get the work done with one error. I chose the latter. I think that was a mistake, and I wasn't chosen due to cultural fit.
Another time, I interviewed for a place that required a Wondelich test in addition to the interview. I was told I scored the highest of any candidate, but still didn't get the job because "I was a talker". It was a small company, so fitting in with the corporate culture was everything.
On the other hand, I interviewed with one employer that told me the owners were Mennonites and Evangelical (Christians) and they didn't want anyone too "out there". I knew then it wasn't the employer for me, because I'm LDS.
"Cultural fit" could be: English is not your native language, or, you may have piercings or tattoos that employer doesn't like. Cultural fit just means you don't fit into what the employer wants.
Lynn I am in the same "boat" with the age issue, but being African-American they will not have to presume, they will know as soon as they see me! But, have you tried the following: AARP- great resources and great job bank site. Does you community have a "Job-seekers" Club? . And what about Uncle Sam? Federal jobs can open doors Hope this helps and I'll be praying for you!
Do your research by going online to see what cultural fit means (it may have something to do with the vibe you give off), also probably to figure this out you can resort to how do the employees dress, walk, talk, and interact with one another. Go to fairs, and try different positions. The key is to try to find what you want but right now is not the time to be too picky. Fine something for now then when you do focus on something else. I know at this point volunteer work is probably out of the country.
CULTURAL FIT is the likehood that a job candidate will be unable to conform and adapt to the core values and collective behavior that make up an organization. It sounds to me that they would prefer that you work with your peers. And placing you with a peer of a different generation May give you an imbalance. God bless you and Have a blessed day
Same here Lynne...wish I had some words of encouragement for you.
The same things are happening to me as well. I am 52 years old and I think that i'm being discriminated against because of my age. I have also been on interviews and they went well; as well, but I guess after viewing my work background and the amount of years I've been in the workforce; it seems to turn them off. I can also stand a little help here
If you are able, recall the type of questions they are asking and your responses back. I highly recommend you accurately recall their questions and your responses....be aware of the tone of your phone interview and their situational questions they asked you. Also, conduct some research of the company you are interview, most likely, they are young companies (less than 3-5 years old) or maybe start ups...
I will answer your question basing it on the premise that you are seeking a position to leverage the contract analyst/paralegal certification. BTW, at a loss not lost
A cultural fit would be an intangible trait obviously. So the firm is saying that your interests and/or the way in which they perceive or predict that you will interact with other individuals at the firm (i.e. Other paralegals, clients, and lawyers)
I agree it's a weak excuse. However I always research a company before the interview and one thing I always focus on is finding out about their culture and people who work there.
You aren't doing anything wrong. If your personality is going to clash and cause friction it's not a good fit. If you can match and mirror the culture without a problem, then by all means do so.
I hope that helps. But I do again agree that is a weak excuse however forward thinking it may be.
Learn to use correct English...."you are at a LOSS" not lost would be my first suggestion and secondly there's a lot of us in our 50s and 60s that are experiencing the same type of discrimination....which means you have to really give a great first impression to convince potential employers that your years of experience vs someone with less years is a plus. And we tend to have a better attendance record and more punctual. Years of experience means wisdom that one can only earn when your older. Their loss if they don't see that.