Discover the Go-To Interview Questions Executives Swear By

Unconventional Questions: How Executives Are Redefining Job Interviews

As the hiring landscape evolves, so too does the approach to interviews, particularly for executive roles. In conversations with four seasoned executives from industry giants like Walmart, Cisco, IBM, and Dayforce, it becomes clear that the traditional interrogation style, which often reiterates classic questions such as "Tell me about yourself," is yielding to more insightful and revealing inquiries. Instead of settling for surface-level answers, these leaders emphasize the importance of connecting with candidates on a deeper level.

Why Go Beyond the Basics?

Francine Katsoudas, Chief People, Policy, and Purpose Officer at Cisco, has a go-to question that dives right into the heart of the role: "What do you think is the most important part of this position?" This inquiry provides insight not just into a candidate’s understanding of their potential responsibilities but also their ability to distill complex conversations into actionable insights. It’s a moment that showcases their analytical skills and understanding of both the role and the future of the organization.

Vulnerability as a Strength

Amy Cappellanti-Wolf, chief people officer at Dayforce, takes a different yet equally compelling approach. She asks candidates to share recent constructive feedback they've received, framing it as a vulnerability-driven query that reveals their character and openness to growth. This line of questioning does more than identify weaknesses; it demonstrates a candidate's capacity for reflection, an essential trait in today’s dynamic workplace. Leaders who are receptive to feedback are often more adaptable and better equipped to lead teams through changes and challenges.

The Hustler Mentality

Moving through a long and successful career, Corinne Sklar of Salesforce has developed a unique avenue to uncover entrepreneurial spirit. Her question, "Tell me how you first made money," encourages candidates to recount their earliest experiences of ambition. It distinguishes those who display a proactive approach to challenges—vital in leadership roles—over passively waiting for opportunities to present themselves. It’s a reminder that past entrepreneurial instincts can be valuable indicators of future innovation and strategic thinking.

Leadership Challenges from the Top

Walmart’s Donna Morris, who primarily interviews candidates for senior leadership roles, indicates that these key inquiries are not just about skillsets but about how candidates will fit within the organizational culture they are entering. These questions reveal the nuances in a candidate’s ability to adopt and influence the culture of the workplace.

Transforming the Interview Process

The emphasis on such thoughtful questions highlights a shift in recruiting marketing strategies, including employer branding and candidate experience. For employer brand managers and HR leaders, tailoring interviews to elicit insightful responses makes candidates feel more connected and engaged, improving their overall journey during the hiring process. By incorporating such questions into the interview process, organizations position themselves not just as recruiters but as advocates for transformative leadership.

As the dynamics of executive hiring shift toward creativity and depth, these unconventional yet insightful questions facilitate a more enriching exchange between candidates and interviewers, fortifying the foundations of effective hiring practices.