cultural fit

Definition

A subjective assessment of whether a candidate will mesh with existing team dynamics and company values, often used as a polite cover for 'we just didn't vibe with them.' Has been criticized for perpetuating homogeneity and unconscious bias.

Example Usage

He had all the right qualifications, but the team said he wasn't a cultural fit, which might mean anything from 'didn't laugh at our jokes' to actual incompatibility.

Origin

Became popular in Silicon Valley during the 1990s tech boom

Fun Fact

Many progressive companies now use 'culture add' instead of 'culture fit' to emphasize bringing new perspectives rather than conforming to existing norms.

Source: Recruiting and hiring terminology

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