The Dead Tree Principle: Why Some Experience Isn't Worth the Time When interviewing candidates with extensive industry experience, it's crucial to discern whether they've truly evolved their skills. I refer to this as the "Dead Tree Principle." When someone claims to have "10 years of experience," they might be repeating the same 1 or 2 years of experience. In other words, they haven't genuinely expanded their capabilities. All industries evolve, and staying static means falling behind. Just like an old tree that appears alive but is internally decaying, professionals who don't update their skills risk becoming obsolete, unable to adapt to new challenges. So, how can you determine if a candidate's experience is robust or just a façade of longevity? Here are key questions to ask: What new skills have you acquired in the last two years? What recent industry or business books have you read, and what insights did you gain? How have you observed the industry change since your career began, and how have you adapted to these changes? These questions can help gauge whether a candidate is continuously growing or coasting on outdated knowledge.