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define hiring profile

<required_reading>

Claude Code Knowledge Pack7/10/2026

Overview

<required_reading>

Read these reference files before defining a hiring profile:

  1. references/patterns-archetypes.md - Pattern identification and role-fit questions
  2. references/primary-traits.md - A, B, C, D trait details

</required_reading>

<purpose>

Define the ideal Culture Index profile for a role you're hiring. This workflow helps translate job requirements into specific trait positions, identify acceptable patterns, and flag red flags.

</purpose> <process>

Step 1: Gather Role Context

Collect information about the position:

Role: [Title]
Reports To: [Manager's pattern if known]
Team Context: [Existing team profiles if available]
Business Stage: [Growth / Consolidation / Turnaround / Stability]

Step 2: Answer Role-Fit Questions

These three questions determine primary trait positions:

QuestionAnswerImplication
Is this role more macro or micro?Macro → High AMicro → Low A
Is this position more about people or problems?People → High BProblems → Low B
How much repetition is in this role?High repetition → High CLow repetition → Low C

Record your answers:

  • Macro/Micro: [answer] → A should be [High/Low/Normative]
  • People/Problems: [answer] → B should be [High/Low/Normative]
  • Repetition level: [answer] → C should be [High/Low/Normative]

Step 3: Determine D Trait (Conformity)

Ask additional questions:

QuestionIf YesIf No
Does this role require strict adherence to process?High DLow D
Are details and precision critical to success?High DLow D
Will quality failures have significant consequences?High DLow D
Does the role require creative rule-breaking?Low D-
Must they challenge status quo to succeed?Low D-

Record: D should be [High/Low/Normative]

Step 4: Map to Ideal Pattern

Using your answers from Steps 2-3, identify the ideal pattern:

Role ProfileTrait CombinationExample Roles
Visionary/ArchitectHigh A, Low C, Low DCEO, Founder, Strategy Lead
Rainmaker/PersuaderHigh A, High B, Low CSales, BD, Account Executive
Scholar/SpecialistLow B, High C, High DEngineer, Analyst, Researcher
Technical ExpertLow A, Low B, Low C, High DSecurity, QC, Operations
CraftsmanLow A, Low B, High C, High DFinance, Compliance, Audit
AccommodatorLow A, High B, High CHR, Customer Success, Support
PhilosopherHigh A, Low B, High CStrategy, Research

Your ideal pattern: [Pattern name]

Step 5: Define Acceptable Range

Not every hire will be a perfect match. Define acceptable variance:

TraitIdealAcceptable RangeHard No
A[High/Low/Norm][range][extremes to avoid]
B[High/Low/Norm][range][extremes to avoid]
C[High/Low/Norm][range][extremes to avoid]
D[High/Low/Norm][range][extremes to avoid]

Guidance for ranges:

  • "Must have": ±1 centile from ideal
  • "Strongly prefer": ±2 centiles from ideal
  • "Acceptable": ±3 centiles from ideal
  • "Hard no": Beyond ±4 centiles

Step 6: Consider L and I

Logic (L) and Ingenuity (I) use absolute values:

QuestionIf YesIf No
Does this role require detached, analytical decision-making?High L (7-10)-
Does this role require empathy and emotional intelligence?Low L (0-3)-
Does this role require novel problem-solving and innovation?High I (7-10)-
Does this role benefit from proven methods over invention?Low I (0-3)-

Record:

  • L: [range or "any"]
  • I: [range or "any"]

Step 7: Identify Role-Specific Red Flags

Based on role requirements, flag patterns that would struggle:

If the role requires...Red flag patternWhy
Independent decision-makingVery Low ANeeds direction, avoids decisions
Customer interactionVery Low BMay seem cold or disengaged
Steady, predictable workVery Low CCreates unnecessary urgency
Precision and accuracyVery Low DMisses details, inconsistent
Quick pivotsVery High CResists change, slow to adapt
Creative solutionsVery High DRigid adherence to process
CollaborationVery High A"Me first," dismissive of others

Your red flags:

  1. [Pattern/trait that would fail in this role]
  2. [Pattern/trait that would fail in this role]

Step 8: Consider Team Dynamics

If team profiles are available:

Current Team GapHire For
No High A (lacking "Gas")Consider High A
No High B (lacking "Glue")Consider High B
No High D (lacking "Brake")Consider High D
All same patternAdd diversity
Existing frictionAvoid intensifying

Team consideration notes: [observations]

Step 9: Generate Hiring Profile

Compile the complete hiring profile:

## Hiring Profile: [Role Title]

**Date Created:** [Date]
**Created By:** [Name]

### Role Context
- Reports to: [Manager pattern if known]
- Team: [Team composition summary]
- Business stage: [Growth/Consolidation/etc.]

### Ideal Profile

| Trait | Position | Confidence | Notes |
|-------|----------|------------|-------|
| A (Autonomy) | [High/Low/Norm] | [H/M/L] | [reason] |
| B (Social) | [High/Low/Norm] | [H/M/L] | [reason] |
| C (Pace) | [High/Low/Norm] | [H/M/L] | [reason] |
| D (Conformity) | [High/Low/Norm] | [H/M/L] | [reason] |
| L (Logic) | [range or any] | [H/M/L] | [reason] |
| I (Ingenuity) | [range or any] | [H/M/L] | [reason] |

**Target Pattern:** [Pattern name]

### Acceptable Alternatives
- [Alternative pattern 1] - [why acceptable]
- [Alternative pattern 2] - [why acceptable]

### Red Flags (Do Not Hire)
1. [Pattern/trait] - [why problematic for this role]
2. [Pattern/trait] - [why problematic for this role]

### Interview Focus Areas
Based on the ideal profile, explore these areas in interviews:
- [Area 1 based on required traits]
- [Area 2 based on required traits]

### Using This Profile

**With predicted traits (from interview transcript):**
- Compare predicted profile to this template
- Note areas of alignment and concern
- Flag any red flag traits in predicted profile

**With actual CI survey (after offer signed):**
- Compare actual survey to predictions
- Assess fit against this profile
- Identify onboarding considerations based on gaps
</process>

<anti_patterns>

Avoid these hiring profile mistakes:

  • Over-specifying: Requiring exact positions reduces candidate pool unnecessarily
  • Cloning existing team: Different patterns bring valuable perspectives
  • Ignoring business stage: Growth needs Gas, consolidation needs Brake
  • Using CI as sole filter: Profile is one input, not the complete picture
  • Treating traits as skills: CI measures drives, not capabilities
  • Dismissing normative traits: Flexibility can be a strength

</anti_patterns>

<success_criteria>

Hiring profile is complete when:

  • Role context documented (reporting, team, stage)
  • All three role-fit questions answered
  • D trait determined with rationale
  • Ideal pattern identified
  • Acceptable ranges defined for all traits
  • L and I requirements specified (or marked as "any")
  • Red flags identified with explanations
  • Team dynamics considered (if team data available)
  • Interview focus areas identified
  • Profile formatted for use in hiring process

</success_criteria>