Why not just do a “Describe a time...” behavioral question ?
In an interview both sides should put their best foot forward, assuming positive intent and trust. Purposefully asking “dumb questions” on the hopes someone picks up on the game, and then plays it as you expect, seems like a suboptimal approach.
> Why not just do a “Describe a time...” behavioral question ?
I find “describe a time when” answers mostly useless. Interviewing, at a senior level, is a proxy for time on the job. Senior people must constantly deal with information flow. Being able to pick up on when to add to or correct that flow is key.
Note that this doesn’t have to be done in a pretentious way. My favourite way to do it is to discuss the company’s R&D. I will almost always know less than the interviewee. Their ability to accurately communicate in that context is vital.
Again, this only applies at senior positions. Lower down, one expects managers to know their subject matter with more detail. You can’t do the “go solve this approximate problem” thing one can with senior management.
In an interview both sides should put their best foot forward, assuming positive intent and trust. Purposefully asking “dumb questions” on the hopes someone picks up on the game, and then plays it as you expect, seems like a suboptimal approach.