A boss has revealed a clever interviewing technique he uses to identify the most suitable candidates for a job, and it involves asking a series of 'upping questions'. The strategy, shared online, is designed to separate those genuinely passionate about the role from those just seeking a paycheck.
The 'Upping Question' Technique Explained
Contributing to a Reddit thread for managers, the boss explained his background in interviewing for a role that involved 'hacking the internet'. His method was straightforward but effective. He would progressively ask more advanced questions until the candidate reached a point where their knowledge was exhausted.
The critical part of the test came next. After identifying a knowledge gap, he would explain the concept to the applicant. The candidate's reaction to this new information was the true indicator of their suitability. If they thought the new thing was really cool, that was a big plus, the boss noted. This demonstrated a genuine interest in the work itself, a quality he valued over simply having a comprehensive CV.
Public Reaction and Real-World Examples
The boss's approach resonated with many online users, who shared their own experiences. One commenter revealed they nearly secured a job they were underqualified for by exhibiting this exact behaviour. They were completely honest about their skill level, immediately admitted when they didn't know something, and then either tried to reason through the problem or asked insightful questions.
This display of curiosity and a willingness to learn was so impressive that the hiring team was ready to offer them the position, believing they could be trained quickly. The only obstacle was the HR department, which ultimately rejected the application based on the resume alone.
Another user endorsed the method, stating: "That's the way I do all technical interviews." They elaborated that the ability to learn quickly is a far more valuable asset in a candidate than knowing everything upfront. The technique inspired others, with one person commenting they would adopt this style in their future interviews.
A Broader Lesson for Modern Hiring
The discussion also highlighted alternative successful hiring practices. One user praised their company's approach, where HR's role is limited to an initial screening to filter out unreliable candidates. After that, every subsequent interview is conducted by people actively working in the department the candidate is applying to, ensuring a more relevant and practical assessment.
This collective insight from hiring managers and candidates suggests a shift in focus from pure credentials to demonstrable passion and learning agility. The 'upping question' technique serves as a practical tool to uncover these often-overlooked qualities, potentially leading to more successful and engaged hires.
