How do you make a cup of coffee?… and other questions I ask at an interview.

I have been fortunate to work for truly exceptional leaders at major organizations — exceptional because these men and women have been passionate, driven, and relentless in their line of work.

Nick S. is one such exceptional leader who gave me my first “break” at building a PMO and deeply modelled how I think. He coached me on recognizing business patterns, synaptic thinking, making correlations, leading teams, and dealing with politics. Riet V. coached me on staying “true to the course” and holding one’s fort despite wrenches, obstacles, and curves coming in the way. Jamie B. mentored me on building alliances, dealing with obscurity, and emphasizing value proposition. All three have taught me the value of a loyal, superstar team. And such a team can only be built with the right people in your camp.

Building and leading global Project Management Offices for various organizations has connected me with truly amazing individuals. Running a PMO means constantly recruiting. It means keeping your ears to the ground, and your sights at the sky. Over the last 15 years, I have interviewed about 800 candidates… here are some questions that I ask to get to know them better (in no particular order or weight):

1. How do you make a cup of coffee? This question raises eyebrows, and elicits chuckles (sometimes hesitant ones). What I look for is clarity in a seemingly simple exercise that everyone knows (for the most part). I’ve seen elaborate workflows, C++ code, Disney-quality drawings, to 30 minute rants as responses. What I look for is the candidate’s ability to communicate a simple concept.
2. What was the toughest [professional] decision you ever had to make? No answer is wrong but it gives me an understanding of the candidate’s exposure upto that time in her lifetime.
3. Who has inspired you in your life and why? From dads to Greek Gods, the responses are warm to off-the-beaten path (a Business Analyst once told me ‘Mickey Mouse’).
4. What was the last time you were in a high pressure situation? I look for the ‘process’ to manage the stress than the situation itself.
5. What is the most interesting project you have worked on till date? This gives me an understanding of the ‘interesting’ barometer for the candidate — and what excites him or her. Interesting projects don’t have to be pompous or large-scale.
6. What type of office environment/eco-system do you thrive in? Some people like to be at the centre of the action; some like to retreat to a “working corner”. Calculate the candidate’s propensity to work in your current environment and see if it’s a match. If your work has cafeteria-style seating and this person prefers to work alone, ensure that the right structure is available.
7. Tell me about a time you failed at something. A fundamental question that lets me assess a) that failure is acceptable, b) what the candidate did, and c) his/her learnings. A few candidates I have interviewed in the past bragged that they had no failures. That means no risks. Which means no learning. Next.
8. What would you want to do if you didn’t have to work? The ultimate question — this basically is to provoke a raw, unfiltered, uncensored response to what the candidate truly would want to do if all factors and circumstances were in favour. The industry, perspective, energy, passion, and planning could help assess a potential fit. I have received all kinds of responses — from astronaut and ballerina, to chef and firewoman — and so on. It does not mean they are not a good fit — it just gives me an understanding to support their current assignment — and help them in any way to achieve their long-term as well.

What questions do you ask to invoke the candidate you are interviewing? Share your thoughts — and share this post.

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