A tech founder (and former lawyer) of a Series C company goes through the 5 interview questions he asks every candidate and the thought process behind each in this Tik Tok video. It’s 2 ½ minutes and worth a watch especially because he discusses body language. But here’s a summary if you prefer reading over watching:

1. “Walk me through your jobs.” He wants to know why you moved where to see if you’ve been recruited by former managers, which is a positive sign.
2. “What is your greatest achievement?” He is looking for concrete examples, not a fluffy answer how you bonded with teammates.
3. “What was the lowest point of your career?” He wants to know what you complain about, e.g., you didn’t get enough freedom, resources, etc.
4. “If your manager was here, what would they say about you?” He invokes an actual person because he thinks it’s less likely for the interviewee to lie, especially since that person would know he’s doing the reference check if he goes ahead and hires. He is also checking out the interviewee’s body language, e.g., if they get stiff and look defensive.
5. “Why did you leave your job?” How you answer, including body language and word choice, gives him a sense of whether the departure was positive or negative, e.g., if you were pushed out.

Bonus point: He knocks out these questions in 20-25 minutes and notices if a candidate can’t succinctly answer in the timeframe. This filter holds true for lawyers since their communication skills are paramount to the job!