Hire A-players by testing them with actual work before you commit
The single most reliable hiring signal is watching someone do the actual work. Don't just interview — have them perform a real task. If you're hiring a copywriter, review their previous work and have them write copy for your materials. Watch them work live if possible. A-players reveal themselves in predictable ways: they're as interested in questioning you about the role as you are in questioning them. They respond quickly and professionally, maintain strong relationships with former bosses, and view each opportunity as a career stepping stone. Look for people who work for impact rather than money, have a proven track record of completing projects, and demonstrate what I call the 'driver' quality — they take responsibility for results rather than finding reasons to explain why things didn't work.
Relevant Clips3
- Answer5:25
Hire by Having Candidates Perform Real Work Live
Have them perform actual work tasks that reveal their capabilities. For example, if hiring a copywriter, review their previous work and have them write copy for your materials. Watch them work live if possible or have virtual discussions where they solve problems.
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Hire Impact Drivers With Proven Track Records
Look for people who work for impact rather than money, have a proven track record of completing projects, and demonstrate the 'driver' quality of taking responsibility for results. Use serial in-depth interviews and test them with actual work tasks.
- Answer5:34
How A-Players Behave Differently in Interviews
A-players are as interested in questioning you about the role as you are in questioning them. They respond quickly and professionally, maintain relationships with former bosses, and view opportunities as career stepping stones.