In the high-stakes world of corporate recruiting, where companies like IBM are increasingly prioritizing agility and innovation amid rapid technological shifts, a single interview question can make or break a candidate’s prospects. Corinne Sklar, IBM’s global chief marketing officer for consulting, has honed a deceptively simple query that cuts through resumes and reveals a candidate’s true entrepreneurial mettle. As detailed in a recent Business Insider profile, Sklar asks applicants to describe a time when they “bootstrapped” a project—essentially building something significant from scratch with limited resources, embodying the scrappy, self-reliant spirit of a startup founder.

This approach isn’t just about identifying hustlers; it’s a strategic filter in an era where AI and automation are reshaping job requirements. Sklar, who oversees marketing for IBM’s vast consulting arm, emphasizes that the best responses showcase not only resourcefulness but also resilience and creative problem-solving. Candidates who excel often recount stories of turning constraints into catalysts, such as launching a new initiative with a shoestring budget or rallying a small team to pivot during a crisis.

The Bootstrapping Mindset in Action

Industry insiders note that this question aligns with broader trends in talent acquisition, particularly as firms like IBM pivot toward skills-based hiring. According to insights from WebProNews, Sklar’s method tests for the kind of adaptability that’s crucial in AI-driven environments, where traditional roles are evolving and innovation demands thinking beyond conventional boundaries. For IBM, which is deeply invested in hybrid cloud and AI technologies, spotting “boot-strappers” ensures the company recruits leaders who can drive strategy without constant oversight.

Beyond the question itself, Sklar’s technique reflects a shift away from rote interviews toward behavioral assessments that predict real-world performance. Recruiters at tech giants are increasingly adopting similar tactics, drawing from psychological frameworks that value intrinsic motivation over polished pedigrees. In Sklar’s view, as shared in the Business Insider piece, the ideal candidate doesn’t just answer the question—they narrate a compelling saga of overcoming odds, revealing their ability to thrive in ambiguity.

Implications for Tech Hiring in the AI Era

This focus on entrepreneurial traits comes at a pivotal time for IBM, which has been bolstering its AI capabilities through hires like former executive Shobhit Varshney, who recently moved to Citi to lead its AI strategy, as reported in another Business Insider article. Sklar’s question helps IBM identify talent that can navigate the complexities of consulting projects, where clients demand bespoke solutions amid economic uncertainty. Data from Glassdoor, which compiles thousands of IBM interview experiences in its database at Glassdoor, suggests that candidates prepared for such open-ended queries fare better, often advancing to roles in strategy and innovation.

Moreover, this interviewing style underscores a cultural evolution within IBM, a company historically known for its structured, enterprise-focused ethos. By prioritizing bootstrapping stories, Sklar is effectively scouting for intrapreneurs—employees who act like entrepreneurs within the corporate fold. This is particularly relevant as IBM ventures into new territories like venture capital, with its head of VC, Emily Fontaine, outlining investment pillars in a separate Business Insider feature, emphasizing partnerships with startups that exhibit similar resourcefulness.

Broader Lessons for Aspiring Leaders

For industry professionals eyeing roles at IBM or similar firms, preparing for Sklar’s question means more than rehearsing anecdotes; it requires introspection about one’s problem-solving DNA. As the tech sector grapples with AI’s disruptive force—evident in how companies like SAP are using it to streamline operations, per a recent Business Insider interview with its CFO—the ability to bootstrap becomes a competitive edge. Recruiters echo this sentiment, noting that in a post-pandemic world, where remote work and digital transformation accelerate, candidates who demonstrate self-starter qualities are in high demand.

Ultimately, Sklar’s go-to question serves as a litmus test for the future of work at IBM, where entrepreneurial spirit isn’t a buzzword but a prerequisite for driving growth. As the company continues to evolve its hiring practices, this method could influence broader industry standards, encouraging a generation of leaders who build empires from the ground up, one resourceful decision at a time.