Hiring: serial work-history interviews reveal A-players vs C-players
The best hiring signal I've found is the serial interview — walk candidates through their entire work history, job by job, asking what they accomplished and how they handled obstacles. A-players say things like: 'We got creative and figured out how to get the job done.' C-players explain why it wasn't their fault. That pattern is remarkably consistent. Reinforce it with one question: 'When I call your former boss, what will they say about your strengths and weaknesses?' A-players welcome that call. C-players get nervous. Never hire friends or family — it creates relationship dynamics that make performance management nearly impossible. And start recruiting three months before you think you need someone. The worst time to hire is when you're desperate.
Relevant Clips4
- Answer8:48
Reference Check Question That Reveals A-Players
Ask candidates: 'When I talk to your boss from that job, what will they say about your strengths and weaknesses?' A-players maintain good relationships with former bosses and welcome reference checks, while C-players get nervous because they know their former bosses won't give good references.
- Answer8:48
A-Players Solve Obstacles — C-Players Blame Everyone Else
Conduct serial interviews covering their entire work history. A-players focus on delivering results despite obstacles ('we got creative and figured out how to get the job done'), while C-players make excuses ('my boss was dumb', 'the company cut corners').
- Answer1:44
Why Hiring Friends and Family Destroys Businesses
No, hiring friends and family is a great way to destroy a business. It creates weird relationship dynamics, makes performance management difficult, and often results in people who rely on you for employment rather than contributing to growth.
- Answer5:11
Start Recruiting Three Months Before You Need Anyone
Start recruiting 3 months before you actually need someone. Look ahead at business growth, identify future hiring needs, then spend months talking to 1-2 candidates per week. The worst time to hire is when you need someone immediately.