Startup Key Hires: Questions to Ask Before Making an Offer

These questions are designed to elicit responses from =potential key hires to evaluate their:

  • Growth mindset

  • Relationship with conflict

  • Values and criteria

  • Self-awareness

  • Success criteria

  • Cultural compatibility (belonging)

Questions:

  • Why did you choose your current (most recent) job?

  • What’s important about your work? 

  • How do you know when you have done a good job? 

  • Can you recall a time you achieved something— personally or professionally—  you didn’t think was possible at the time?

  • What experiences in life changed you for the better?

  • What were your most memorable failures in life or work?

  • Aside from work, what activities have you dedicated yourself to consistently for years?

  • What was the hardest piece of truthful feedback you received— how did that help you grow?

  • What was the most difficult piece of feedback you had to deliver— how did the recipient respond?

  • What was the most challenging disagreement you had with someone at the leadership level? How did that conclude?

  • What are the rules for belonging in your current (most recent) work team?