Stop Hiring for “Culture Fit” — Start Hiring for Culture Add

Let’s be honest — the term “culture fit” is overdue for a rethink.

 

At Elliott Gray, we’ve seen too many businesses use it as a vague catch-all that often means:

• “They look like us.”
• “They won’t challenge anything.”
• “We’d have a beer with them.”

 

But in a market where innovation, diversity, and retention are everything, hiring for sameness just doesn’t cut it anymore.

 

So what’s the alternative?

Hire for culture add.

 

That means bringing in people who bring something new — new perspectives, lived experiences, skillsets, or ways of thinking. People who align with your values but don’t necessarily look, talk, or problem-solve like everyone else already in the room.

 

Why these matters (more than ever)

✔️ Better performance: Diverse teams are proven to solve problems faster and better.

✔️ Stronger retention: People who feel seen and valued stay longer.

✔️ Fresh ideas: Groupthink kills growth. New voices create momentum.

 

And let’s not forget in a tight Canberra market, narrowing your definition of “fit” means missing out on top-tier talent that other businesses are smart enough to hire.

 

How we do it at Elliott Gray

We don’t just scan for keywords or tick boxes. We actually talk to people — deeply. We dig into their values, goals, and potential. And when we put someone forward, it’s because we know they’ll challenge and complement your culture, not just blend into it.

We help candidates get clear on what they bring, and we help clients expand their view of what “the right person” could look like.

This is why we are so adamant that ‘recruitment specialists’ in a specific role type or industry will also narrow your focus and put up at great risk of missing the BEST fit. Culture add, skills add, broaden … talk to us