With several decades of professional experience, Steven Darien serves as the chairman and CEO of The Cabot Advisory Group, LLC, in Bridgewater, New Jersey. Through Cabot, Steven Darien offers strategic advice on issues related to executive leadership and human resources (HR). One of the key functions of an HR department is recruiting new hires.

Recently, HR teams have redirected their candidate search efforts by placing greater emphasis on soft skills. Historically, HR departments looked primarily at experience and formal education when figuring out whom to hire. But because companies are now emphasizing culture more than before, it is important that new hires contribute to rather than detract from a company’s culture.

Focusing on a candidate’s soft skills can provide insight into whether his or her values, personality, and goals align with those of the company. Bringing someone onboard who does not share the same vision can hurt morale. When people have similar visions for the future, collaboration can yield great results.

HR departments should take care that the focus on culture does not supersede the need for diversity. While individuals should have similar goals and values, they should come from different backgrounds and perspectives.