Flip the Script to Make Better Hires

How do you tell the difference between someone who interviews well and someone who will excel in the role? For technical positions, it's especially important to avoid this mismatch.  

Changing the way you approach an interview can lead to stronger hires. Scripted questions will get you scripted responses, but treat the interview less like an exam and more like a conversation and you'll leave the room with more confidence about how to move forward.

That's because:

1.) It will reveal more about the candidate's thought process.

When candidates talk through real projects in a relaxed way, you hear how they actually problem-solve and make decisions, not just their polished script. 

2.) You'll be able to spot good talent without the fluff.

Some of the best talent isn't the best at interviewing. But when they’re at ease, talking about their craft, they reveal their true skills. Think of it as if you were sharing lunch with someone you met at a conference. You'd know pretty quickly if they knew their stuff or not. The same goes for interviewing.

3.) You'll identify mutual culture fit more easily.

 What better way to spot those "we'd work well together" moments than when the discussion feels genuine? Whether or not you believe the adage, "people don't leave jobs, they leave bosses," the reverse is true. Great hires are looking for a leader they want to work with; use the interview to start building that connection with someone who could become your next top performer.

4.) It gives you better answers to hard questions.

Conversational doesn't mean unstructured, or that you should shy away from asking about red flags. But if you let your curiosity lead and ask these in a relatable way, you might finally get the insight you need to make the right call.

So the next time you sit down with a candidate, don't be afraid to put the script aside and let the dialogue unfold naturally.

 And if you need help finding BAS candidates worth having those conversations with, that’s what I do! Let’s talk.