From the Ask Tom mailbag –

Question:
I get it. Interest and passion come from value for the work. So, just exactly how do you interview for that? Any question I come up with, sounds stupid or leads the candidate.

• Are you passionate about the work we do here?
• Tell me about your interest in the work we do here?

These questions just leave me open for the candidate to fabricate something they think I want to hear.

Response:
You are correct, those are lousy questions. First, they are hypothetical and without definition for “the work we do here.” The first fix is to ask about the candidate’s real prior experience, not a hypothetical comparison.

Next, it is impossible to interview for values. I can’t do it. You can’t do it. We can only interview for behaviors connected to values. What are some descriptive words connected to value for the work?

• Significant
• Important
• Accomplishment
• Pride

Embed these words into a series of questions, focused on connected behaviors.

• Tell me about a time when you worked on a project of significance?
• What was the project?
• How long was the project?
• What was your role on the project?
• Describe your work on the project?
• What problems did you have to solve?
• What decisions did you have to make?
• What made that project significant?
• What characteristics about the project made it important?
• In the eyes of the team, what was accomplished?
• In that project, what were you most proud of?

In the interview, as you listen to the candidate’s response, do the values described match up with the values necessary for the work in the role?

Before you spring this on a real candidate interview, try this with your existing team. Valuable practice. -Tom