What they are really asking

Hiring shows how you judge people. The interviewer wants to know what you looked for, how you tested it, and whether your process was fair. They'll also listen for what happened after: did the person you chose do well, and what did you learn if they didn't?

The trap is a story built on a feeling, like "I knew right away she was the one." Gut feelings aren't a process, and they're how unfair hiring happens. Another trap is only talking about résumés. The interesting part is how you found out what the résumé couldn't tell you.

A shape that works

The need, the process, the choice, the result. Start with what the role needed, in plain terms. Explain how you tested for it, ideally with something closer to the real job than a standard interview. Say why you chose the person you did, especially if it wasn't the obvious choice. Finish with how they're doing, or what a hire that didn't work out taught you.

Model answers

Listen to how each answer is built, then make it yours.

Answer 1: a clinic manager hiring a receptionist
Answer 2: a tech lead hiring a junior developer
Answer 3: a housekeeping manager whose hire taught her something

Check yourself

1Why is "I knew right away she was the one" a weak story?
2Why did the clinic manager use a practice phone call?
3What does the housekeeping manager mean by "That was on me, not on her"?

Practice · 3 min

Think of a time you hired someone, chose someone for a project, or picked a partner for group work. Write the need, how you tested for it, why you chose that person, and the result. Record your answer. Listen back and check that the process sounds fair and not only based on a feeling.

Your recording stays on this device. Nothing is uploaded.

Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.