UPDATE: In an urgent revelation, Snowflake CEO Sridhar Ramaswamy has shared a powerful interview question that uncovers genuine candidate insights, steering away from rehearsed responses. Speaking on the Sourcery podcast released on October 14, 2023, Ramaswamy emphasized the importance of adaptability and personal growth in today’s fast-paced job market.
Ramaswamy, who took the helm at Snowflake in 2024, stated that traditional interview questions tend to elicit scripted responses, often failing to reveal the true character of candidates. Instead, he poses the question: “Tell me how you changed yourself?” This inquiry is designed to elicit authentic, unscripted answers, reflecting the candidate’s personal development journey.
He noted, “So all practiced answers, I don’t like them. To me, the combination of drive and malleability are the prized qualities that set the truly amazing people apart from everyone else, especially at a moment like this.” This perspective aligns with the growing emphasis among tech leaders on finding talent that can adapt and thrive in environments increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence.
Moreover, Ramaswamy’s approach comes amidst a competitive hiring landscape where tech executives are innovating their interview techniques. Fellow industry leader, Tobi Lütke, CEO of Shopify, shared in a recent podcast that he asks candidates if they have ever started a company. This question aims to identify entrepreneurial skills, indicating a candidate’s potential to navigate challenges effectively.
In addition, Amy Cappellanti-Wolf, chief people officer at Dayforce, highlighted the importance of feedback in her evaluation process. She frequently inquires about recent constructive feedback the candidate is working on, as she considers a lack of self-awareness a significant red flag in prospective employees.
As the tech industry continues to evolve, the push for adaptable and resilient candidates becomes increasingly crucial. Ramaswamy’s insights underscore the shifting dynamics of hiring practices, reflecting an urgent need for leaders to identify talent equipped for the challenges of tomorrow.
With this new approach gaining traction, candidates are urged to prepare for more probing questions that require introspection and authenticity. As companies like Snowflake innovate their hiring practices, the implications for the job market could be profound, shaping the future landscape of employment in tech.
Stay tuned for more updates on how these trends are influencing hiring practices across industries.
