Unveiling Character: The Power of the "Dinner with Four" Interview Question

In the ever-evolving landscape of recruitment, finding the right candidate for a position is more than just matching qualifications to job requirements. It's about discovering the core values, aspirations, and character traits that make an individual a perfect fit for your team and company culture. One interview question I’ve found to be remarkably revealing in this regard is: "If you could have dinner with any four people (past or present), who would they be and why? (Note: family and friends not included)."

The Essence Behind the Question

This question goes beyond the typical "strengths and weaknesses" and "tell me about yourself" queries. It taps into the deeper layers of an applicant's personality, providing insight into what drives and inspires them. The people they choose to dine with often reflect their values, interests, and the qualities they admire. Here’s why this question is so powerful:

1. Revealing Core Values: The individuals an applicant selects usually embody the traits and values they hold dear. Whether they choose historical figures, contemporary icons, or revolutionary thinkers, these choices reveal what the candidate respects and aspires to be.
2. Showcasing Intellectual Curiosity: Selecting diverse and intriguing personalities can indicate a candidate's intellectual curiosity and their desire to learn and grow. It demonstrates their interest in varied fields and their enthusiasm for gaining knowledge from different sources.
3. Highlighting Aspirations: The reasons behind their choices can shine a light on the applicant’s ambitions and goals. For instance, someone who picks innovators like Elon Musk or Steve Jobs might be driven by a passion for technology and innovation.
4. Understanding Cultural Fit: The personalities and reasons chosen can help gauge if the candidate aligns with your company’s culture. If your organization values creativity and forward-thinking, a candidate who picks visionary artists or thought leaders might be a perfect match.

Real-World Responses and What They Reveal

To illustrate the effectiveness of this question, let’s explore a few hypothetical responses and what they might reveal about a candidate:

Jane Doe - Marketing Manager Position

Albert Einstein: For his unparalleled intellect and curiosity about the universe.

Oprah Winfrey: For her empathy, influence, and ability to connect with people.

Malala Yousafzai: For her bravery and dedication to education and human rights.

Leonardo da Vinci: For his genius in multiple disciplines and relentless pursuit of knowledge.

Revelation: Jane values intellectual diversity, empathy, courage, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge—traits that align perfectly with a role requiring creativity, leadership, and a deep understanding of human behavior.

John Smith - Software Developer Position

Ada Lovelace: For her pioneering work in computer science.

Nikola Tesla: For his groundbreaking innovations and contributions to electrical engineering.

Linus Torvalds: For his creation of Linux and his contributions to open-source software.

Grace Hopper: For her role in developing computer programming languages and her inspirational leadership.

Revelation: John’s choices reflect a profound respect for technological innovation and a passion for contributing to the field of computer science—qualities that are essential for a software developer.

Crafting the Perfect Follow-Up

The real magic of this question lies in the follow-up. Asking candidates to elaborate on why they chose these individuals can lead to deeper discussions about their motivations, values, and how they perceive success and inspiration. Here are some follow-up questions to consider:

• "What qualities do you admire most in these individuals?"
• "How have these people influenced your life or career choices?"
• "Which of these individuals do you feel most connected to, and why?"

Conclusion

The "Dinner with Four" question is more than just an icebreaker; it's a window into the soul of an applicant. By understanding who they admire and why, you can gain invaluable insights into their character, values, and potential fit within your organization. In a world where skills can be taught but character is inherent, this question can be your key to unlocking the perfect hire.

So, the next time you're in the interview room, consider asking, "If you could have dinner with any four people (past or present), who would they be and why?" You might be surprised by the profound and enlightening responses you receive.