Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Interviews Skills
Interviews Skills
Clarity of thoughts
Presence of mind
Balanced point of view
Cool composure
Logical thinking
Maturity
Sincerity
Openness
Capacity to conceptualize
Good understanding of fundamentals
The Eight Types of Interview Questions
Behavioral questions
This type of question includes "Can you give me a
specific example of how you did that?" and "What were
the steps you followed to deliver that result?" The
purpose is to objectively measure past behaviors as a
potential predictor of future results.
Experience verification questions
This type of question includes "What did you learn in
that class?" and "What were your responsibilities in that
position?" The purpose is to subjectively evaluate the
experiences in your background.
Opinion questions
This type of question includes "What would you do in
this situation?" and "What is your greatest weakness?"
The purpose is to subjectively analyze how you would
respond in a series of scenarios. The reality is that
Response in your brain typically kicks in ("I know the
answer to that one!") and plays back the pre-
programmed answer.
Competency questions
This type of question includes "Can you give me a specific example
of your leadership skills?" or "Explain a way in which you sought a
creative solution to a recent problem you needed to solve." The
purpose is to align your past behaviors with specific
competencies which are required for the position.
Brainteaser questions
This type of question includes "What is 1000 divided by 73?" to
"How many ping pong balls could fit in a Volkswagen?" to complex
algorithms. The purpose is to evaluate not only your mental math
calculation skills, but also your creative ability in formulating the
mathematical formula for providing an answer (or estimate, as can
often be the case).
Case questions
This type of question includes problem-solving questions ranging
from: "How many gas stations are there in Europe?" to "What is
your estimate for the global online retail market for books?" The
purpose is to evaluate your problem-solving abilities and how you
would analyze and work through potential case situations.
Nonsense questions
This type of question includes "What kind of animal would you
like to be?" and "What color best describes you?" The purpose is to
get past your pre-programmed answers to find out if you are
capable of an original thought. There is not necessarily a right or
wrong answer, since it is used primarily to test your ability to think
on your feet.
It is interesting to note that the first three types of
interview questions listed have a predictive validity for
on the job success of just 10 percent.
And 10 percent predictive validity is the same level
that is generated from a simple resume review.
Brainteaser questions increase the predictive validity to
15 percent (since they test intelligence, commonly a key
competency for most positions) and case questions raise
the predictive validity to 25 percent (and slightly higher
for consulting positions).
Behavioral and competency interviewing, on the other
hand, yield a predictive validity of 55 percent. Still far
from perfect, yet much more reliable for most
interviewers.
Interestingly, the first three question types are still the
favoured approach by most untrained interviewers,
simply due to lack of experience.
Handshake: You will likely shake hands with the interviewer. Your
handshake should be firm and last a second or two.
Handshake: You will likely shake hands with the interviewer. Your
handshake should be firm and last a second or two.
Restlessness:
If you have a nervous habit like jiggling your leg or tapping the
table, do your best to suppress it. Restless habits can be distracting
and may demonstrate nervousness or disinterest to the interviewer.
Hand position:
If you are seated at a table or desk for the interview, keep your
hands visible. This will demonstrate you have nothing to hide. If
you are in a chair with nothing in front of you, keep your hands in
your lap with the palms visible to indicate openness.
Eye contact: Eye contact should be moderated. Too little eye contact
gives the appearance of nervousness, while too much is aggressive.
Pretend you are having a comfortable conversation with a friend
during the interview to guide your eye contact.
Where to sit: When in the waiting room, choose a chair that gives
you the best visibility of people coming and going so you won't be
caught unawares by the interviewer. In the interview, if given a
choice of seats, choose a seat that will allow you to maintain
excellent posture and able to comfortably make eye contact with
everyone in the room.
Walking:
Walk smoothly and confidently between the waiting area and the
interview room. Maintain excellent posture while walking and
firmly hold on to your belongings so you don't drop anything.
Breathe deeply:
Deep, even breaths calm the body and may help reduce the desire to
perform nervous actions like jiggling your leg or drumming on your
arm.
Responsiveness:
Show you are interested in what the interviewer is saying by
smiling, nodding and leaning forward when they are speaking.
Before the interview
1. Company information
2. About the interviewer
3. Evaluate job description
4. Fit in skills and qualities
5. Make a list of questions
6. Mock interview
7. Organize documents
8. Check your social presence
9. Interview dress
10. Check directions
During the interview
1. Timing
2. Interview body language
3. Questions for interviewer
4. Ending the interview
After the interview
1. Analyze the interview
2. Inform your references
3. Follow up