How to Interview for Culture Fit Without Losing Sight of Skill

Hiring someone who feels right for your team is important, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of skill, capability, or performance.

In the infusion, specialty pharmacy, and pharmaceutical spaces, we see this all the time: candidates get passed on because they didn’t “click” in the interview, even if they had the right experience. On the flip side, others are hired because they’re personable but lack the technical strength to really drive results.

So, how do you strike the balance?

Here are a few key reminders when interviewing for both culture fit and skill:

Define Culture in Terms of Behavior, Not Personality

Culture isn’t about liking the same sports teams or having the same sense of humor. It’s about shared values, behaviors, and how people work together. Instead of asking, “Would I want to grab coffee with this person?” ask: “Do they align with how we make decisions, give feedback, or handle challenges?”

Structure Your Interview to Test Both

Have clear, behavior-based questions tied to your company values and technical requirements. Try something like:

“Tell me about a time you had to challenge a decision you didn’t agree with.”

“How do you handle high-volume workflows without losing quality?”

“What do you do when a patient or provider is frustrated?”

Involve Cross-Functional Interviewers

Different team members will see different things. A pharmacist might focus on clinical communication. An ops manager might notice time management or systems thinking. A commercial leader might look at growth mindset and adaptability. Use that to your advantage.

Don’t Confuse “Different” with “Wrong”

Sometimes a fresh perspective feels uncomfortable but it could be exactly what your team needs. Interview for add, not just fit.

Remember: It’s a Two-Way Interview

Candidates are also assessing your culture. Are you modeling transparency, curiosity, and respect in how you conduct your interviews?

At The Remedy Group, we support companies across pharma, infusion, and specialty pharmacy that are hiring for both impact and alignment. We are here to support identifying professionals who bring the right mix of skills, values, and drive.