The Power of Asking the Right Interview Question

A note to young leaders.

When I interview, I never ask the cliché question: “So tell me about your biggest weaknesses.”

It’s unfair and unrealistic to expect candidates to show that much vulnerability in a job interview.

But one question I almost always ask is: “OK, assume you could only use three words/phrases to describe who you are – which three words/phrases would most accurately describe who you are as a person and as a professional?”

This is a terrific question to ask because it will tell you a great deal about how the candidate views themselves. Identity is the bedrock of self-belief and values.

Listen intently to the answer. Not only to what is said but the order in which it is said. Which quality/value is mentioned first? How do the qualities/values mentioned by the candidate align with what’s required to excel in the role and in your company culture?

It’s a disarmingly easy question to answer and candidates will almost always answer it truthfully.

And when people tell you who they are, believe them.