Think about your colleagues, past and present. Who would you pick to bring with you to any team? Name some people you would hire without reservation. Now ask yourself – would they all ace an interview?

Early in my career, a mentor shared this prompt while I was debating between two candidates to hire. Years later, this still resonate with me, alongside another consideration discussed below.

I’ve been lucky to work with people shockingly skilled at their craft. The best colleagues, however, the ones who make us all greater, have skills at various levels and prior experience that can be impressive or modest. They contribute beyond their tasks, in ways that are likely buttoned up and lost in an interview.

Who do you want to work alongside for the next few years, day in and out?

First-rate team members have curiosity that prompts them to ask well-timed or unexpected questions, even if they don’t speak often, and even if they can’t summon this strength for an interview. Their dedication to their craft compels them to volunteer to fix problems, to seek out thorny problems that other people would rather ignore. They don’t log these moments so they can boast about them later. Instead, they celebrate small victories by their peers and other teams. They listen with great intent. Are they brilliant at interviews? Maybe a few. But whether or not they have big drive, insightful quips, or lots of colorful stories, they won’t be slippery or absent when the work gets tricky. Instead, they show up and seek harmony; they help fuel the whole team to be great.

Beyond interview charisma, what about experience? I was advised to favor the person most hungry to learn and grow. Will that be someone who held the same role before as a cog for a big name company? A person motivated to connect and learn will thrive thorugh the journey, the constraints, the moments we falter. Their peers will be eager to collaborate with them.

Who should you hire? It’s your responsibility, not theirs, to find the best. It's hard! I try to look past confidence, charisma, and certainty, and make space for courage, connection, and curiosity. During an interview, humanize yourself by sharing a gap of your own. If they stumble, offer reassurance and the chance to reflect on or revise their response, like colleagues. Humility, awareness, and collaboration make teammates better, and can help you hire the best.

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If you seek a first-rate engineer, designer, or other great people for your team, feel free to comment or message me.