This method has made me remember an old interview (1998) and smile.
The interviewer started explaining what I'd be working on. In a few minutes it wasn't an interview anymore, but a free consulting session. He clearly forgot why we were there and even started to take notes!
I was offered the job, but later refused because another offer was better.
I love interviews like this. I imagine most people on HN like solving problems and it answers the question "will this person bring anything to the org?"
I forgot to mention that the subject of the conversation was a roadblock that had them totally stuck and I happened to have the right experience. So it wasn't an strategy. They were desperate.
The interviewer started explaining what I'd be working on. In a few minutes it wasn't an interview anymore, but a free consulting session. He clearly forgot why we were there and even started to take notes!
I was offered the job, but later refused because another offer was better.