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Ask HN: What question would tell you where someone's heart is?
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Re: Ask HN: What question would tell you where someone's heart is?
#12If there's one question that tells you where someone's heart is, it'll be one they ask, not you.
I actually think this is an excellent idea. Before you interview them have them interview you for a couple minutes. We ask questions based on what we value so by listening to their questions it allows you to determine what they value.
Even if they try to say what you want to hear they'll be telling you about themselves because it will tell you what kind of person they think you are which in turn tells you what kind of person they'd want to work for/with.
Re: Ask HN: What question would tell you where someone's heart is?
#13Judge them by their actions.
In an interview, ask them if they have any side projects. If they code when they don't have to, you know where their heart is. In a dating situation... if they don't call, or stand you up, that is more telling than what they say. People don't know themselves that well, and have trouble being direct in both scenarios.
Re: Ask HN: What question would tell you where someone's heart is?
#14Vi or Emacs?
Re: Ask HN: What question would tell you where someone's heart is?
#15"What do you love?" Seems to work in all kinds of situations. Occam's Razor, anyone?
"Exciting new challenges that allow me to maximize my potential!"
As an introvert, I'm wary of requests to articulate such things on demand. I'm probably not going to tell an interviewer that my greatest pleasures include cooking with my girlfriend or getting baked and playing with synthesizers.
Re: Ask HN: What question would tell you where someone's heart is?
#16Hiring the right person is never easy, and your question "where their heart is" makes it even harder.
I want to give you a question that has served me well for nearly a decade, and gets as close as possible to your question.
Ask the candidate what they would do if they won the lottery tomorrow.
This question will immediately advise you as to what their core values and true ambitions are. Certainly this isn't a "tell all", but when evaluated within a comprehensive interview is valuable information.
Re: Ask HN: What question would tell you where someone's heart is?
#17"What is your username on HN?"
Re: Ask HN: What question would tell you where someone's heart is?
#18"Is there a single question..." No. And there shouldn't be. Instead of spending time and energy trying to determine the perfect quesiton, why don't you just spend that same time and energy actually talking to people . Talk about anything. Listen as much as you talk. "Engage" them. After 5 minutes of sincere (this is key!) interaction and a half dozen subjects, you'll probably have a pretty good idea of where their he…
Agree with edw519 entirely. I should add that we always arrange for a sightseeing tour and meals with interview candidates in order to facilitate talking on a variety of subjects. These activities are chaperoned not by the people who will interview them, but people who would work with them if they got hired. We also give them interview tips, and brief them on the background and style of the people who will interview them. The best interview is one without surprises.
(We're not google, we only shortlist 4 people at a time, and hire rarely, so we can afford to take the time).
Re: Ask HN: What question would tell you where someone's heart is?
#19[deleted]
Re: Ask HN: What question would tell you where someone's heart is?
#20I know this is crazy, but I'm going to try to answer that - "If you don't have to work for money, what would you do?". You'll mostly get untrue answers for that, but somebody might look at you straight in the eye and actually say something other than the job you're offering. If it fits your profile, hire them. If it doesn't, see if you can create one. Honest people are rare :)