7 Smart Questions to Ask When You’re Doing the Interviewing

Aug 10, 2015

There’s all this talk about answering interview questions: What are the toughest ones, how should you prepare? But what if you’re the one asking the questions? When you still feel like a college student yet you’re interviewing potential interns, or if you’re a new manager hiring an assistant for the first time, how can you get over that fear of looking like a fraud? Sometimes, we need just as much help as those sitting across from us.

So, we turned to Quora to get some advice from people who’ve been in our shoes before. Next time you need a few talking points — ones that ensure you’re asking smart, insightful questions to help you hire the best candidate — consider these seven gems:

1. “What’s your preferred working style?”— Joel Hynoski, Senior Engineering Manager at Twitter

This can tell you a whole lot about a candidate’s personality. Do they like to work alone and listen to music? Or do they work best in a collaborative environment? The answer will give you some serious insight into whether or not they’ll fit into the culture of your company.

2. “How would your last boss describe you?”— Daria Beknazariants

If you want to test the candidate’s credibility, this should be your go-to question. And the best part? You can call up their former boss to see how well the answer matches up. It’s tricky, but hey, that’s interviewing!

3. “List some of your accomplishments during your last job.”— Russ Conte

Whatever the candidate valued most at their last job, you’ll know by how they answer this question. It will also give you a sense of their strengths and what skills they can bring to the position.

4. “How many golf balls fit in a 747?” — Quora User

In certain industries, you know you have to throw a weird one in there, just to see how they react. Will they laugh? Will they think really hard and blurt out some math equation they used to figure it out in their head? With this one, it’s not about the answer, but how they get there.

5. “Tell me about a time in your life when you actually failed at something.” — James Hritz

If they’ve never failed at anything (or can’t admit it), it means that they haven’t challenged themselves enough. You want someone who can own up to a mistake, analyze what went wrong, and understand how to fix it moving forward. A follow up could be, “How did you move on?”

6. “What motivates you to do your best on the job?”— Irfan Ahmad, Blogger, Social Media Marketer, Infographic Designer

Asking this question will really help you learn the driving force behind a candidate’s work ethic. Is it a goal? A promotion? Team morale? If they end up getting hired, you’ll already know what to do to push them further. #Bonus

7. “What can you teach us?”— Divya Prabhakar, UPenn CS and Design

If you want to hire a candidate, it means that they have skills and expertise that will provide value to your team. Here’s your chance to let them tell you what exactly those skills are.

What are your interview tips? Share any pointers + helpful experiences you’ve had in the comment section below.

This post was originally published on Levo League by Erica Murphy.

How to Manage Your Time and To-Dos Like a Boss

We all want to be more productive and get things done, but most of us don’t really know how. Do you want to know the real secret to improving your productivity?

You need a personal mission statement! Because once you understand the “why” behind your goals, you can better prioritize opportunities, ideas and work. If that seems a little ambiguous right now, don’t fret. Motivational speaker and writer Maxie McCoy is here to show you how to bring productive habits into your life with a new online class.

In collaboration with Levo, Maxie’s online class will arm you with tools to create a productive lifestyle in 2017. By the end of her course, you’ll know how to:

Develop your personal mission statement and use the SMART recipe to set goals
Practice single-task time management skills to prioritize tasks
Create actionable to-do lists (that are not overwhelming!)
Use your new productive habits to work smarter, not harder — and get more done!

In addition to learning valuable time management and productivity skills, you’ll also unlock a 12-page workbook created by Maxie that includes:

Three important steps to follow to create a personal mission statement
A worksheet to plan out three career-driving goals and make sure they’re SMART
A guide to help you manage your time like a boss
A guide to help you handle your daily, weekly and monthly to-do lists
Tips and tricks on how to keep productive habits moving forward

It’s time for a new, more productive YOU! Turn your ideas into actions, and let’s make those dreams become a reality in 2017.

So what are you waiting for? Enroll in How to Boost Your Productivity class today!

Did you pre-order for the class? Access to the Levo Courses offered will only be available to anyone who pre-ordered for this class between December 29, 2016 and January 2, 2017. Be on the lookout for an email from Levo! Brit + Co will also randomly select three early enrollees (who signed up for the class during this timeframe) to enjoy TWO business courses for FREE!

Jason Kelce Just Revealed How He REALLY Feels About Having Four Daughters (& It'll Make You Melt)

As much as we love talking about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce...Jason Kelce and his wife Kylie Kelce deserve their time in the spotlight too! They have a loving and hilarious dynamic that's somehow made room for not one, but three kids. And guess what? They recently announced that baby number 4 is coming soon! From their very funny announcement to everything they've said since, there's a lot of fun to unpack here.

Here's everything to know about Jason Kelce & Kylie Kelce's exciting pregnancy!

When did Jason and Kylie announce she's pregnant?

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Kylie Kelce shared the huge news on Instagram November 22nd! Of course grandma Donna Kelce was the first to leave a comment. She wrote, "🔥🔥🔥🔥😍😍😍 Love it!!!" Brittany Mahomes also commented by writing, "Ahhhhhh Congrats you guys!!!🥹🤍."

How did Jason and Kylie's other daughters react?

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In Kylie's same Instagram post, her and Jason's daughters can be seen expressing a range of emotions. There's an 'Eek' expression from their oldest daughter Wyatt, a happy look from their middle daughter Elliott, and pure tears from baby girl Bennett. Kylie wrote, "I feel like we captured a very accurate representation of how each of the girls feel about getting another sister. At least Ellie, mom and dad are on the same page! 🤷♀️"

When is Jason and Kylie's fourth baby due?

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That's TBD! Since the couple just announced their fourth pregnancy, only time will tell when baby girl will arrive. Knowing Jason and Kylie's willingness to be open about their lives, we wouldn't be surprised if they decide to share a due date.

How are Jason and Kylie preparing to be a family of six?

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Jason Kelce is taking the news of being an official girl dad like a champ. He told E! Newshe's "got it pretty easy" because "the clothes are all going to be hand-me-downs or already bought." Not only that, but they've already secured a baby crib! However, Jason was quick to add Kylie's also getting ready for their daughter's arrival. "Kylie's definitely preparing more than I am, because she's actually growing the human being."

“I love my kids so much, and especially my daughters,” he added. "I was telling somebody out there because they're expecting their first — and they look at you. They smile at you. There's just a way that kids have to warm your soul in a way that nothing else can.”

He's also excited to watch his daughters grow up with a new sibling. "And hopefully we'll welcome a fourth into this world, and we'll be able to watch them fight and tear each other apart and all the good stuff."

He even appeared on The Rich Eisen Show where he joked, "I'm screwed [in] like in 10 years. The moment they’re all in middle school, I feel like it’s just gonna be chaos." He also hopes Wyatt "can start helping out a little bit more." But, he's still looking forward to it! "I obviously have not had a son, but there is something about a daughter in the way I think as a dad, you feel an extra amount probably of protection and love toward that child," he shared.

Follow us on Facebook for more updated about this cute family!

This post has been updated.

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6 Mentorship Myths We Need to Clear Up Right Now

There are so many myths out there (The Loch Ness Monster, the Bermuda Triangle, all that stuff that happened on the set of Poltergeist), and many of them surround mentorships. People think certain things when they hear the word “mentor” or “mentoring,” and a lot of it is false. As part of #MayIsForMentorship month, let’s get to the bottom of these myths so you can find the perfect professional mentor!

1. Mentoring is totally one-sided. False! It takes two to tango, people — both on Dancing With the Stars and in a mentor/mentee relationship. This is not you just showing up and asking the Wizard of Oz for answers to all your problems. You need to give your mentor something to work with. Explain the context, including your background, your hopes, your goals, your limitations and what you would like help with from them. Even Luke Skywalker gave Yoda some basic guidelines.

2. Mentors have to be older than you. No way, Jose. Mentors can be the same age as you, or even younger. If someone can give you guidance in your career and has done things you admire, why wouldn’t you want to pick their brains? Elle Magazine editor Leah Chernikoff told Real Simple, “I’m at least five years older than many of my coworkers, and despite my being supposedly wiser and their boss, I find myself taking notes from them on new apps, trending hashtags and the latest way to stream live video.”

3. The relationship has to be in person. If companies can function well with employees all over the world, then there is no reason why you can’t have a great communicative relationship with your mentor over Skype, texts, email and Google Hangout.

4. Mentoring stops once you reach your goals. Absolutely not! You don’t just ditch your mentor once you have hit your marks. Now is when you need them more than ever. Super successful people talk to their mentors everyday! General Motors CEO Mary Barra is constantly using her network of mentors, and she is the CEO! “Different people see different aspects of us as we progress in our careers and handle the opportunities and challenges along the way,” she writes. She said her mentors have helped her to speak up in meetings and honor commitments.

5. You can only have one mentor. Lyle Stevens, co-founder of the social influencer marketing platform Mavrck, says it is best to have mentors in different area of expertise. He has four, actually — “one very technical expert, a second one who’s an expert on customer acquisition and marketing, a third who is focused on recruiting and team building and the fourth is an expert in general operations, team management and how to run a business.” He even has one that helps with work-life balance.

We’re not saying everyone needs four, but don’t limit yourself to just one. “When building your network of mentors, be honest about your mid- and long-term career goals, and how hard you are willing to work to achieve them. Then turn to those who best know you and your work. Earn their respect and trust so they will extend their personal capital to you with confidence and be your professional champion,” Barra said in an interview.

6. Only mentees will learn from this relationship. Not so. Mentors can get so much knowledge from their mentees. In addition to learning how to be more tech savvy, they may also gain a new outlook by looking back on their own career milestones.

Got any career myths you need us to explore? Tweet us @BritandCo and let us know!

This post was previously published on Levo League by Meredith Lepore

(Photos via Getty)

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36 Perfect Christmas Dinner Ideas, From Appetizers To Dessert

Whipping up Christmas dinner for your squad this year? If it's your first time hostessing, there's no need to panic. You can scour the internet for holiday kitchen tips and embark on a house-cleaning frenzy — or you can take comfort in the simple fact that good food creates full bellies and happy people, and that's the only goal you need to meet.

Kick back with a plate of Christmas cookies and a mug ofhot chocolate – here are 37 comforting Christmas dinner ideas and recipes, from appetizers to desserts, that will take the headache out of building your dream holiday dinner menu.

Scroll on for delicious Christmas dinner ideas!

Christmas Appetizer Ideas

Brit + Co

Bacon Pastry Twists with Beer Cheese

While cradling a cocktail in one hand, an easy-to-grab appetizer is essential. These flaky, cheesy bacon twists are both easy and delicious to dunk in a three-cheese beer dip. (via Brit + Co)

Well Plated by Erin

Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Bites

A red and green holiday treat without sugary sprinkles? Count us in. These phyllo shells are filled with whipped pesto cream cheese and topped with basil and sun-dried tomatoes for some yummy Christmas food. (via Well Plated by Erin)

Chef Genevieve

Cranberry Goat Cheese Balls

These cranberry goat cheese balls are the perfect balance of salty and sweet — a definite crowd-pleaser for any Christmas dinner! (via Chef Genevieve)

The Baking Fairy

Holiday Crostini Trio

Spread avocado, mascarpone, and provolone onto toasted baguette slices for a tasty appetizer, and top away for three versatile holiday food ideas that will please any palate at your holiday party. (via The Baking Fairy)

The Seasoned Mom

Honey Almond Baked Brie

Add this this gooey, sweet, and salty baked brie to your Christmas dinner menu and guests will gather around it like it's a fireplace on a cold day. (via The Seasoned Mom)

Christmas Food Ideas For Side Dishes

Brit + Co

Sesame Shrimp Pastry Puffs

The seafood lover in your home will be elated to munch on these sweet and umami-rich (thanks to the oyster sauce) sesame shrimps blanketed in buttery puff pastry. You'll definitely want to add this dish to your best Christmas recipes list! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Cheesy Sweet Potato Gratin

This savory combination of sage, gruyère cheese, and heavy cream is here to make sweet potato casserole even more indulgent. This is definitely one of our favorite Christmas dinner ideas. (via Brit + Co)

Sarah Anderson

Healthy Butternut Squash Salad

Fill your guests' bellies with the seasonal flavors of butternut squash, apple cider, and pecans. The bacon is just the icing on the cake, so to speak. (via Sarah Anderson for Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Romanesco Christmas Trees with Parmesan "Snow"

Turn Romanesco broccolis into snow-capped trees with just six ingredients in this healthy yet cheesy dish for your next party. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Slow Cooker French Onion Soup

Nothing will warm you to your toes quite like a good soup, and whipping one up in the slow cooker can save you time, mess, and energy. This French onion creation is a perennial favorite. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Waffle Iron Latkes

These latkes make the perfect addition to any celebration, and the best part is how easy they are! From an apple butter topping to pomegranate and Greek yogurt, there's something for everyone. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Cornmeal Biscuits with Cheddar, Chives, and Jalapeños

These slightly spicy biscuits are ideal for soaking up all that gravy goodness. (via Brit + Co)

The Girl on Bloor

Taco Salad

Okay, you might be thinking, "why in the world would someone serve taco salad at Christmas?" But hear us out – this recipe is full of delicious veggies, and it's just brimming with color. Keep things red and green to stay festive, or go all-out with every color of the rainbow. (via The Girl on Bloor for Brit + Co)

Rasa Malaysia

Crispy Leaf Potatoes with Rosemary Butter

If ever there were a bulletproof case for buying a mandoline, it's these potatoes, which are sliced chip-thin, layered upright in a baking dish, and gloriously bathed in salty rosemary butter. (via Rasa Malaysia)

Sarah Anderson

Cozy Pumpkin Curry

If you're looking for vegan Christmas recipes, look no further than this warming, insanely delicious, and seasonal pumpkin curry. Just leave out the fish sauce to make it fully plant-based! (via Sarah Anderson for Brit + Co)

My Kitchen Love

5-Ingredient Christmas Salad

A complicated salad is the last thing you need to worry about when picking out Christmas dinner recipes. This palate-cleansing dish is simply butter lettuce, pomegranate seeds, and a white wine vinaigrette. (via My Kitchen Love)

Main Dish Ideas For A Christmas Feast

Brit + Co

If you're tasked with cooking the bird this holiday season, look no further than this foolproof roast turkey recipe. (via Brit + Co)

Baldacci Family Vineyards

Beef Short Ribs with Vegetables

Make a statement with a delicious short rib recipe that's cozy, filling, and features an unbelievable wine sauce. Everyone will be talking about it until next Christmas. (via Baldacci Family Vineyards for Brit + Co)

Sarah Anderson

Cranberry Glazed Turkey

Make your turkey extra-special with a delicious cranberry-pomegranate glaze everyone is sure to adore. (via Sarah Anderson for Brit + Co)

Simply Recipes

Roasted Chicken with Carrots

For a Christmas dinner or otherwise, every home cook needs a roast chicken recipe in their back pocket. Start with this step-by-step recipe, which shows you how to stuff, truss, roast, and baste the bird until juicy and golden brown. (via Simply Recipes)

Host The Toast

Prosciutto-Wrapped Pork Loin with Apple and Rice Stuffing

This dish combines a classic holiday side with a crowd-pleasing main, and it's wrapped in prosciutto for a show-stopping finish. (via Host The Toast)

Half Baked Harvest

Creamy Tortellini Vegetable Soup

Pasta doesn't get enough credit when it comes to holiday recipes, but nothing's cozier than a delicious bowl of warm tortellini. Except tortellini soup, that is! (via Half Baked Harvest for Brit + Co)

Half Baked Harvest

Roast Beef Tenderloin with Mushrooms and White Wine Cream Sauce

This melt-in-your-mouth holiday meal is cooked in one pan in under an hour. Sauté mushrooms in an oven-safe skillet, put the beef on top, roast, rest, and make a cheesy, herby cream sauce with the pan drippings. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Boulder Locavore

Turkey Roulade with Apple Cranberry Stuffing

This dish is all about texture, from the crispy bacon coat to the tender turkey in the middle and soft stuffing interior. This is one Christmas dinner recipe you won't want to miss out on. (via Boulder Locavore)

Delicious Christmas Dessert Ideas

Kurt Andre

Keto Eggnog

Got guests who are committed to the low-carb lifestyle? This keto eggnog is the perfect dessert to serve the carb-conscious. (via Annelies Zijderveld for Brit + Co)

Jessica Smith Wall

Peppermint Bark

This easy peppermint bark recipe is so simple to make, you'll have plenty of time on your hands for more ambitious endeavors — like cooking the turkey. (via Jessica Smith Wall for Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Holiday Puppy Chow

Your go-to sweet treat gets a festive upgrade when you add in red and green candy! Bonus points if you have a red or green bowl to put it in. (via Brit + Co)

Brittany Griffin

Jacques Torres' Chocolate Chip Cookies

No surprise here: the secret to Torres' high-quality chocolate chip cookies is high quality ingredients, like butter, flour, and chocolate. Letting the dough age for 24 hours and sprinkling it with sea salt at the end doesn't hurt, either. (via Jacques Torres for Brit + Co)

Chris Andre

3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

When it's your first year hostessing, the simpler you can keep your Christmas dinner recipes, the better. That's why we're huge fans of these 3-ingredient vegan Christmas cookies. (via From Eat Your Feelings by Lindsey Smith for Brit + Co)

Half Baked Harvest

Baked Hot Chocolate Donuts

Donuts are an all-purpose treat that can serve as Christmas breakfast, brunch, or dessert. This baked hot chocolate-inspired version doesn't require any special tools to make and is uber delicious. (via Half Baked Harvest for Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Dulce de Leche Cream-Filled Churro Donuts

These six-ingredient donuts, made with biscuit dough, have a cinnamon-y exterior and a rich dulce de leche filling that pairs wonderfully with Mexican hot chocolate. (via Brit + Co)

St Pierre Bakery

Eggnog French Toast

Another recipe you can serve as a Christmas dinner or brunch is this sweet French toast. The secret to nailing that 'nog flavor is the nutmeg and vanilla combo. Yum. (via St Pierre Bakery for Brit + Co)

Justina Huddleston

Easy Vegan Slow Cooker Hot Cocoa

Give your oven and your plates a break and add this dairy-free hot chocolate to your easy Christmas dinner menu, or enjoy with Christmas waffles! Add all ingredients to the slow cooker, and let the gadget do the rest for you. (via Justina Huddleston for Brit + Co)

Kurt Andre

Champagne Ice Cream

This egg-free, celebration-worthy holiday dinner idea gets its creaminess from cream cheese and, better yet, its booziness from sparkling wine. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Cinnamon Roll Pecan Pie

We call this pie holiday crack for a reason (or two): the pie crust is made of mini cinnamon rolls and the pecan filling is buttery on the verge of illegal, which definitely makes it one of our favorite holiday dishes. (via Brit + Co)

Cotter Crunch

Easy Spiced Hot Fruit Bake

Hear that? That's a scoop of ice cream begging to top this sweet tray of apple, pear, cranberry, pineapple, and gluten-free dessert. (via Cotter Crunch)

Check out our newsletter for more seasonal recipes!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Justina Huddleston and Paige Johnson.

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26 Easy Thanksgiving Appetizers Guests Will Love

Since cooking a Thanksgiving dinner takes a hot minute, it's not a bad idea to have some appetizerson-hand to serve your Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving guests. Of course, you don’t want to have to spend a ton of time making snacks when you’re also preparing a feast – but that’s where these last-minute bites come in! These Thanksgiving appetizers will keep your guests satisfied until dinner, and they’re so easy to make, you won’t have to deal with any extra kitchen drama.

Without further ado, let's dive into these quick and easy Thanksgiving appetizers!

Fresh Eggs Daily

Baked Eggs in Butternut Squash Rings

Yummy Thanksgiving Appetizers can be as cute as they are scrumptious — like these Baked Eggs in Butternut Squash Rings recipe form Lisa Steele, author of The Fresh Eggs Daily Cookbook. Here's how you make it:

Ingredients:

1 large butternut squash
Extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
6 eggs
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh sage for garnish

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Wash the squash and cut crosswise into six 3/4- to 1-inch slices. Scoop out the seeds and hollow out the middle of each slice to allow room for an egg.
Arrange the squash on the baking sheet and brush each ring with olive oil inside and out, then season with salt and pepper. Bake on the center rack of the oven for 20 minutes, until the squash has softened. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and gently crack and slide 1 egg into the center of each squash ring. Season with salt and pepper, drizzle with olive oil, and return to the oven. Bake about 8 minutes, until the egg whites are set and the yolks are firm but not fully set.
Use a spatula to slide the squash rings onto plates. Top with Parmesan, garnish with fresh sage, and drizzle with olive oil.

Sarah Anderson

Easy Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms are such a reliable crowd-pleaser when it comes to Thanksgiving appetizer, or starters for any occasion, really! These 'shrooms in particular take inspiration from Greek cuisine and include tomatoes, olives, pepperoncini, feta cheese, and salami.

Plant Provisions

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Sara Cagle,Jasmine Williams, and Meredith Holser.

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7 Smart Questions to Ask When *You’re* Doing the Interviewing

Here's everything to know about Jason Kelce & Kylie Kelce's exciting pregnancy!

When did Jason and Kylie announce she's pregnant?

How did Jason and Kylie's other daughters react?

When is Jason and Kylie's fourth baby due?

How are Jason and Kylie preparing to be a family of six?

Scroll on for delicious Christmas dinner ideas!

Christmas Appetizer Ideas

Christmas Food Ideas For Side Dishes

Main Dish Ideas For A Christmas Feast

Delicious Christmas Dessert Ideas

Without further ado, let's dive into these quick and easy Thanksgiving appetizers!

7 Smart Questions to Ask When You’re Doing the Interviewing