CEO Reveals Job Interview Question He Says Predicts Long-Term Success

In more than a decade of founding digital agencies and interviewing over 500 candidates, Eli Rubel, CEO of Profit Labs, says he has identified a single job interview question that reliably predicts whether a candidate will become a strong long-term performer. Rubel, who also leads SurveyGate, a SaaS platform for client feedback, explained that the question has proven more effective than resumes, references, or even expensive hiring software in forecasting employee success.

The Question That Gets Honest Answers

Rubel previously asked candidates to describe their “zones of genius,” breaking down areas of excellence, competence, and incompetence. However, he found that the word “incompetence” often put applicants on the defensive, leading to rehearsed rather than candid responses. Seeking a more revealing approach, he began asking instead: “What gives you energy, and what takes it away?”

“The framing shows I’m on their side,” Rubel said. “I’m not trying to trip them up. I’m trying to protect them from a role they might hate.”

According to Rubel, the answers provide more genuine insights into whether a candidate will thrive in a given role. He said that in nine out of ten cases, the energy profiles revealed in interviews align closely with what managers report in performance reviews months later.

Job interview | Source: Pexels

Spotting Red Flags Early

The question, Rubel emphasized, can quickly uncover potential mismatches between a candidate and a role. He cited an interview for an account manager position in which the applicant said, “I love helping clients, but I can’t stand going back and forth when they push back on ideas.” Because client feedback and pushback were central to the role, Rubel concluded the candidate would be drained by the work and opted not to proceed.

“I thanked them for their honesty and explained why the fit wasn’t right,” Rubel said. “We both avoided a bad situation down the road.”

Identifying Top Performers

Conversely, Rubel noted that the question often highlights candidates who are well-suited for success. One applicant for a customer success role explained, “I get energy from diving deep with clients, understanding their goals, and making sure we deliver exactly what they need. What takes my energy is busywork that keeps me away from them.”

Rubel said that six months later, the employee’s performance review echoed that initial conversation, confirming their strength in client-facing work. The hire went on to become a top performer.

Job interview | Source: Pexels

Guidance for Employers

For hiring managers looking to incorporate the question into their own interviews, Rubel recommended asking it early, listening closely to both content and delivery, and ensuring the workplace environment aligns with the candidate’s response. He cautioned against convincing applicants to accept roles that don’t fit their stated energy sources, as that often leads to short tenures and additional rehiring costs.

“It’s a simple question,” Rubel said. “But if you listen closely to the answer, it can change the trajectory of your team and your business.”

Advice for Job Seekers

Rubel added that the question is equally useful for candidates. He encouraged job seekers to reflect on past experiences to identify which tasks energized them and which left them depleted, and to use the exercise as a tool for evaluating job fit.

“Hiding the truth will only land you in a role that feels like a grind,” he said. “The more candid you are, the more likely you are to find a role where you can thrive and avoid jobs that will drain you.”