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The One Crucial Interview Question That Helps Identify The Best Performers
Most interview questions are a waste of time.
They don’t correctly expose how somebody acts when nobody is looking. Instead, they’re geared towards figuring out how someone has succeeded in their past work.
But what people do in their spare time is crucial, especially for higher-level jobs.
Ask, “What are the open tabs on your browser right now?”
This question comes from the book Talent, co-authored by Tyler Cowen.
It’s essentially asking about a person’s “intellectual habits, curiosity, and what a person does in his or her spare time, all at once.” You’re probing for their demonstrated preferences.
The very best performers don’t stop practicing.
“If you hear or sense that a person doesn’t do much practicing and skill refining in his or her spare time, they probably are poorly suited to assume a top position or to meet very high expectations.”
As you go through the interview process, remind yourself: