Steps
Team up with another A-player
Partner with another high performer in your company to conduct the interview together. Two interviewers catch patterns one would miss.
Walk through career chronologically
Ask candidates to go through all jobs they've ever had, one after another in chronological order — expectations, responsibilities, boss relationships.
Dig deep on every success
For each role, ask for concrete details about how they achieved results. A-players give specifics; C-players give generalities.
Run the reference reality check
Ask: 'When I talk to your boss from that job, what will they say about you?' This single question filters honesty and self-awareness fast.
Pattern-match across 4-10 jobs
Listen for patterns over time: A-players focus on results despite obstacles; C-players blame circumstances. Patterns are the signal, not single anecdotes.
Verify references
Confirm they maintain good relationships with former bosses and can provide immediate references. Resistance here is the answer.