An article I read recently really stuck with me. One passage in particular stood out:
“On the train the other day, I watched someone transform.
They boarded in a hoodie and headphones. A few stops later, the hoodie came off to reveal a button-down. By the time we reached the city center, they were in a full suit, posture adjusted, face set to ‘professional neutral.’”
That image reminded me of what so often happens in interviews.
Candidates present the “professional neutral” version of themselves—polished, rehearsed, safe.
But if that’s all you see, you risk hiring the performance instead of the person.
The best interviews invite authenticity. They create space for candidates to drop the mask and show you who they really are, the person who will either thrive in the role or struggle.
Here are three questions that help reveal the real person behind the mask:
- “Tell me about a time you felt most energized at work. What were you doing, and why did it matter to you?”
→ Reveals what lights them up and whether the role aligns with their strengths.
- “What’s one thing your current or past manager could have done differently to bring out your best?”
→ Exposes how they like to be managed and whether your culture can support them.
- “What’s a project or accomplishment you’re most proud of, and why?”
→ Surfaces values, unique strengths, and how they define success.
When you ask questions like these, you don’t just hire for skills, you hire for impact. You hire the human, not the mask.
Read the article: How to Keep Your Soul in a Corporate Job on The Free Press