Bringing ‘Fit’ Back in Fashion: Why It’s Time to Ditch the Gut Feel and Get Real

Alright, let’s talk about ‘fit.’ For years, it’s been the corporate world’s version of “I just have a feeling about this one.” You know, that nebulous, gut-driven excuse that’s been (let’s be honest) a gatekeeper for keeping things a little too familiar.

The result? A hiring game that’s left a lot of brilliant, diverse talent out in the cold.

And even when companies prioritize skills-based hiring, they’re often missing a critical element: fit isn’t just about an individual’s potential—it’s about how they integrate into a team. Hiring today still looks at individuals as isolated units, assessing their abilities in a one-time snapshot, without truly considering how they’ll thrive within the group dynamics that define success.

What if we could reclaim fit? Not as some exclusionary, handshake-and-a-vibe hiring trick, but as the secret sauce that actually makes people want to stay? What if we made fit cool again?

Fit: The Key to Belonging (and Not Just in a Kumbaya Way)

Fit is that magical moment when something just clicks. It’s like stepping into a perfectly tailored suit, slipping on sneakers that don’t give you blisters, or, for the more digital among us, finding the WiFi connection that actually works in the back corner of the coffee shop. It’s smooth. It’s seamless. And before we get to that big, warm, fuzzy feeling of belonging, we need fit first.

Belonging is what keeps people around—it’s about feeling seen, valued, and part of something bigger. But let’s be real: You can’t force belonging. It has to grow. And that growth starts with fit—when someone aligns with the job, the mission, the energy of the place, and most importantly, feels like they can actually be themselves.

Fit vs. Belonging: Where’s the Fine Line?

The Evolution of Fit & Belonging (Because It’s a Journey, Not a Destination)

Rebranding Fit: Because ‘Gut Feel’ is So 1999

For decades, fit has been reduced to a vague, coffee-chat-chemistry test. And guess what? That has not worked. Not for diversity. Not for innovation. Not for actual success.

It’s time to redefine fit as a strategy—not an excuse. When we ditch the subjective ‘gut instinct’ and bring data, science, and intentionality into the conversation, we unlock fit’s true potential:

✅ Fit gets you in the door. It makes sure the job, team, and company actually align with what you bring to the table.

✅ Belonging keeps you engaged. It’s what turns a job into a calling, a team into a second family (or at least people you enjoy Slack-messaging).

✅ Together, they’re unstoppable. Employees who fit and belong don’t just stay longer—they thrive, innovate, and make magic happen.

So, What’s the Fix? (Hint: Not More Buzzwords)

The biggest problem with fit? It’s been a guessing game. The biggest fix? Make it measurable, make it intentional, and make it transparent—especially at the team level.

• Team-Level Insights: Candidates should have real visibility into team culture, dynamics, and ways of working—so they can see not just where they fit, but where their differences are valued.
• Intentional Hiring: Ensure hiring managers are making decisions with a structured, fair process that actively considers how a candidate’s unique perspective strengthens the team.
• Radical Transparency: Let candidates understand why they were chosen—not just because they ‘fit,’ but because their differences were a deliberate, strategic addition to the team.

Bringing Fit Back in Fashion

It’s time to make fit cool again. Not as a gatekeeper, but as an activator. The right fit isn’t about exclusion—it’s about helping people step into their best selves. When fit is done right, belonging follows naturally.

The companies that understand this—those that move beyond hiring individuals based on a skills checklist and instead focus on team alignment—will be the ones that lead the future. Because in the end, it’s not just about finding the right person. It’s about building the right team.

Let’s change the game. Let’s reimagine fit as a force for good.

What do you think? Is fit still a dirty word, or can we bring it back with a new purpose? Let’s talk.