As the founder and CEO of Boll & Branch, Scott Tannen oversees the work of some 275 employees — most of whom he’s personally interviewed.
He estimates he’s interviewed upwards of 1,000 people and hired 400 to 500 over the course of his career.
Whether he’s interviewing a prospective intern or someone joining the C-suite, Tannen tells CNBC Make It he always asks one question first: What do you know about Boll & Branch?
It’s a straightforward question that sets the tone quickly and can help him uncover a big warning sign.
“I think when people have not done their homework, that is the biggest red flag,” Tannen says. “You don’t have to know every answer, but you have to have done your homework.”
