Job hunting can feel like cracking a code, but Chris Hyams, CEO of Indeed, one of the world’s biggest job platforms, has a tip to help you stand out. In a recent chat, he revealed the two questions he asks every candidate during interviews—and why they matter. With hiring on the rise (think 215,000 new U.S. jobs in November 2024 alone), Hyams’ advice could be your edge in a bustling market. Here’s what he looks for and how you can nail it.
Question 1: “What’s the Hardest Problem You’ve Solved?”
Hyams kicks off with this: “Tell me about the toughest challenge you’ve tackled and how you handled it.” It’s not just about flexing your skills—it’s about showing how you think. He’s digging for grit, creativity, and real-world impact. Did you streamline a chaotic project? Fix a crashing system? Turn around a failing team? The specifics don’t matter as much as the story behind them.
Why it works: Hyams wants proof you can wrestle with complexity and come out on top. At Indeed, where innovation drives everything from job-matching algorithms to user experience, problem-solvers are gold. A candidate who says, “I cut customer wait times by 30% with a new workflow,” isn’t just bragging—they’re showing they can deliver.
Question 2: “What Are You Most Proud Of?”
Next up: “What achievement makes you beam with pride?” This isn’t a trick question—it’s a window into your values. Hyams isn’t chasing a laundry list of wins; he’s after what lights you up. Maybe it’s mentoring a coworker, launching a product, or mastering a skill against all odds. The “what” reveals your priorities; the “why” shows your passion.
Why it matters: Culture’s big at Indeed, and Hyams uses this to spot alignment. A candidate proud of hitting sales targets might thrive elsewhere, but someone who glows about solving user pain points? That’s an Indeed fit. It’s less about the feat and more about what drives you.
How to Ace Your Answers
Hyams’ questions aren’t curveballs—they’re invitations to shine. For the first, pick a challenge with meat on it: a messy problem you untangled with clear steps and results. “I rebuilt a buggy app under a tight deadline, boosting downloads by 20%,” beats a vague “I worked hard.” Be honest, not rehearsed—Hyams can smell a script a mile away.
For the pride question, go personal but relevant. Maybe you’re proud of leading a team through a crisis because it taught you resilience. Tie it to the job: if it’s Indeed, link it to helping people (their mission is all about connecting workers and employers). Passion plus purpose wins every time.
The Bigger Takeaway
Hyams’ approach reflects a shift in hiring: it’s not just about resumes anymore. With 2025 shaping up as a job-seekers market—Indeed’s data shows postings up 10% from last year—employers like him want problem-solvers with heart. His questions cut through the noise, revealing who you are when the stakes are high. So next time you’re prepping for an interview, think less about polish and more about your story. That’s what sticks.