A colleague asked me the other day if I had any "tricks" for hiring? Having built several teams, I have found one question I value in particular. I learned it about 15 years ago and find it in some ways been the most useful part of any interview. It is based on the principle that self-awareness may be the most essential attribute in any professional. Because if we don't see our own strengths and weaknesses clearly, what are the chances we're going to seek advice (let alone listen to it), seek continued improvement or strive to grow and contribute in new ways to the team?
Let's say you're hiring a writer (although the same principle applies for about any position). You know what the person claims in the cover letter, resume and Skype or phone interview (you could also ask this question at that interview stage). Now you're sitting together. Try this:
"I'd like to ask you to rate yourself. Let's imagine a zero-100 scale for this job, with 100 being highest. 100 means the person is stellar, exceptional, the best writer possible for this job. And zero means it's time for this person to find another line of work, because he or she can't write well at all. What score would you give yourself?"
In my experience, it's surprising how many people will rate themselves a 100 or near to it. Which in a sense is saying, "I'm as good as it gets, and I have nothing to learn." What's the upside on making that hire?
Meanwhile, someone who gives a problematically low score -- say, something less than 80 -- might be drawing attention to an issue of low self-esteem, which can be its own management challenge. Or signaling that it's worth taking a closer look at certain weaknesses.
But whatever self-score the person gives, ask this follow-up, "What would it take for you to reach or get closer to 100?" Which tends to open up an interesting conversation about areas of growth, what support will be needed from your or your organization and even about career aspirations.
This question has never failed to reveal interesting professional and personality attributes. I hope it's useful to you, and would be interested in your hiring secrets.