The conversation.
WHAT TO ASSESS
Whether they understand the role How they think about the work How they communicate Whether they ask good questions
WHAT TO ASK
How they would approach a typical task How they handle competing priorities What they need from you to work well What went wrong in a previous role, and what they did
THAT LAST ONE
More revealing than asking about successes.
WHAT TO EXPLAIN
The role, honestly, including the difficult parts How you work What you expect What they can expect from you
WHY HONESTY MATTERS
Someone who leaves after a month because the role was misrepresented costs you more than a slower hire.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
Vague answers about their own work No questions for you Unwillingness to discuss availability
WHAT TO TEST
Whether the connection and setup works.
A candidate who cannot manage a video call may struggle with remote work.
WHAT TO DO AFTERWARDS
Tell everyone the outcome, including those you rejected.
