A useful hiring question

Topic

Productivity

Type

Quick take

When it comes to crafting questions for hiring, many guides are tailored to specific professions. Whether hiring performance marketers, BI analysts, product designers, product managers, owners, specialists, or analysts, there is one question I pose to all candidates, especially in junior and mid level positions.

What are the reading pieces you have read so far that have influenced you the most?

I was first asked this question when I was being interviewed for the efood Marketing team by George Giannakeas. It's a fairly straightforward question. It's generic, timeless, and applicable to anyone. Of all the questions I've asked in interviews, this one has proven to be very helpful across various contexts.

🚨 Survivorship bias alert:

I can only speak to the performance of the people we have hired, so my conclusions are based on this information alone.

⚠️ Disclaimer:

This question was part of a comprehensive process that helped us form an opinion about a candidate. It's not a magic solution, and it shouldn't be used as the sole determining question, but rather as a complementary one.

Why this question was helpful:

Better understanding the candidate's mindset.

Professionals come in many forms. Some are more suited to corporate environments, while others thrive in startups. They may be strong in B2B or B2C, or be managers, doers, or both. A résumé may reveal many professional traits, but many people don't necessarily work in jobs that align with their thinking. However, what a person reads can undoubtedly resonate with their mindset.

Gaining additional insights from the discussion sparked by suggestions.

Often, the interview becomes more engaging due to a thought-provoking article or a piece that holds significant value. Talking about the industry rather than ourselves can be a useful tactic to understand how a candidate views the job landscape.

Discovering something interesting to read myself.

Though I am an avid reader, I haven't read everything, so I might find a fascinating piece of information that could help me become a better professional.

[Notes] PM Habits Seminar: Get Shit Done by Shreyas Doshi