What questions would you ask to make sure the person you're going to hire is a team player, thinks similar to you, but challenges you, and will help you, your code and your team improve?
Some statements to get the ball rolling
I want to avoid "culture fit" - this often turns into an echo chamber at work. I want to hire people who have similar values to me, but not necessarily similar practices and process to me. I'm always excited to know ways I can move faster as a team or work smarter. I want "culture add".
I want to seek out and hire team players, those who accept and evangelise team decisions, even if it's no the way they voted/wanted it to go.
I want to avoid developers who are defensive, not open to feedback or criticism and who generally are stuck in their ways.
I want someone who actively thinks about process as a tool, not a hurdle.
I want someone who can teach others and be taught.
Here's a list of initial thoughts/questions
- Tell me about a time you disagreed with the team, what happened?
- Tell me about a time you sold an idea to your team, how did you do it?
- Tell me what kind of development methodologies you've used and where you saw the value
- Are you familiar with code review? [If so] Where do see the value in it?
- Tell me about a time you mentored an engineer junior to you. Learnings?
- Tell me about a time you were mentored an engineer senior to you. Learnings?
- Have you ever managed a team, if so, what did you learn?
- How do you keep up to date on modern tools, processes and technology?
What are your questions, and why? Please, I'd love to hear them!
Top comments (1)
If someone is fresh out of school or bootcamp they probably worked on group projects.
"What did you think of the group you worked with on this project?"
How people talk about other people tells you a lot about them as people.