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!