Beyond the CV: Interview Questions to Determine Cultural Fit

In the art world, hiring for cultural fit can be just as critical as evaluating a candidate’s prior experience, technical skills, and art historical knowledge. At SML, we frequently remind our clients that successful placements are not just about what a candidate has done, but also how they communicate and contribute to the organisation’s broader team dynamic.

Here are a few thoughtful questions clients might consider asking as a part of the interview process to help uncover whether a candidate is aligned with their work culture and team values:

1. “Can you describe a team dynamic that brought out your best work?”

This question encourages candidates to reflect on prior work environments where they thrived. Their answer can help reveal preferences for structure vs. flexibility, independence vs. collaboration (or a healthy mix of both!), and how they relate and react to authority and feedback.

2. “How do you handle ambiguity or last-minute changes, especially in high-pressure situations like an exhibition opening or an auction deadline?”

Roles within the art world often require flexibility and composure under pressure. This question helps gauge resilience and adaptability, traits that can signal a good match in fast-paced and fluid environments.

3. “Tell us about a time when you disagreed with a colleague or client. How did you navigate that situation?”

A candidate’s style of conflict resolution can be a strong indicator of cultural fit. Whether a candidate takes a diplomatic, direct, or collaborative approach can help determine whether they are well-aligned with your team’s communication ethos.

4. “What’s one value you believe every workplace should uphold?”

This question prompts candidates to articulate their core professional principles. A strong alignment here can be a reliable predictor of longer-term engagement and mutual respect.

Cultural fit isn’t about hiring people who are all the same, but rather curating teams where varied perspectives and personalities can thrive within a shared set of values and working styles. Asking the right questions is the first step toward building a team that works collaboratively and effectively.

These types of questions also send a clear message to candidates: that you genuinely care about who they are as individuals, not just what’s on their CV. It shows you’re invested in making a hire who will thrive within your team and contribute meaningfully in the long-term. After all, the right fit should go both ways.