Correct Jeopardy! answer: picking between two qualified, high-profile job candidates

It seems nearly every day I read an article opining about who will—or should—be chosen to fill the late Alex Trebek’s shoes as host of the popular TV game show Jeopardy! No matter what happens, there will no doubt be grumbling from the Twitterverse that the wrong candidate was selected (#TeamBuzzy). All of which has got me thinking: How does an employer choose between multiple, well-qualified candidates for such a high-profile position? Here are two questions to ask if you’re ever faced with such a delightful dilemma.

Which candidate best fits workplace culture?

When choosing the right person to fill an open position, don’t overlook the importance of cultural fit. If a candidate has all the right credentials and gives a stellar interview performance but can’t adapt or thrive in your work environment, the risk of attrition is high.

Workplace culture refers to the collection of attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors comprising an organization’s atmosphere and overall values. To identify the characteristics of your culture, ask yourself questions such as whether: