The Interview Question That Can Seal The Deal

The Interview Question That Can Seal The Deal

I’m in the middle of hiring someone to replace my irreplaceable executive assistant, a title that barely does justice (as any executive assistant will tell you) to the extraordinary intensity and intellect of such a job.

The job search has yielded several excellent candidates, meaning that I’ve once again had the opportunity to ask my favorite interview question:

What did you do to prepare for this interview?

Oh, the answers I've heard – the good, the bad and the ugly, and so powerfully revealing in each regard.

“I’ve been stalking you for three days,” was one. I loved it! Especially after she described what that stalking involved: Reading virtually everything she could find ever written about me, plus reading or scanning everything I’ve ever written online and in print, including two books. As a result, she came to the interview ready to talk not just about her fit for the requirements of the job – but my interests, values, and, perhaps most impressive, the intellectual content of my life’s work.

Another candidate had this impressive response: “I looked at all of your social media platforms and tried to back out of that what your communications strategy is, and how I would advise you to change or refine it. I also evaluated the marketing plans you appear to have in place for your new book launch, which led me to put together a list of questions.” She opened her folder to reveal just that -- a full page of them.

Hello! You’ve walked in the door over-delivering. I like you very much.

Other answers have been rather less mind-blowing.

“Well, I drove here last night with my boyfriend to make sure I didn’t get lost today.”

Another candidate answered, “I read your Wikipedia.”

Both OK, but hardly enough to demonstrate the kind of passion and curiosity I’m looking for, or, most importantly, the resourcefulness. Look, there are plenty of great interview questions out there, and there’s no doubt about it, you need to ask a slew, as well as carefully check references. (I also give candidates a good, old-fashioned editing test.) But this single query has proven its worth to me time and again.

Half the battle in business is being prepared. Make sure the people you hire don’t have to learn that on the job.

_______________________________________________________

Tune in to WelchCast, a weekly conversation on growing your career, leading teams, and winning in business.

Submit your burning business and career questions to information@jwmi.com and we'll choose our favorites to answer on the next show.

__________________________________________________

Best-selling author, popular television commentator and noted business journalist Suzy Welch is the co-author of Wall Street Journal and New York Times bestseller, The Real Life MBA: Your No-BS Guide to Winning the Game, Building a Team, and Growing Your Career. The Real Life MBA: Your No-BS Guide to Winning the Game, Building a Team, and Growing Your Career. Follow Suzy on Twitter @suzywelchand Instagram @jack_and_suzy. All proceeds from The Real Life MBA book sales will be donated to fund educational scholarships for low-income students
.

Carrie Gallant J.D.

Helping C-Suite and executive women leaders navigate high-stakes conversations and negotiations, transform impostor feelings and elevate their executive presence | Author | Certified Virtual Presenter

1mo

Love this interview question! Uncovers a lot about a person, their thought process as well as who they are really focused on.

Like
Reply
Varad Naik

Senior Consultant | Intelligent Automation at Deloitte Consulting

7y

Great article. Thanks for sharing👍🏼

Like
Reply
Kevin Castro Fernández

Intermediate Collections Associate

7y

great article!

Like
Reply
khaled Elnagar

Head of Chemical Metrology Division at National Institute of Standards- Egypt

8y

great point.... the recruit wrong people is very danger, but before each interview I should put the minimum qualification of features, skills, knowledge..etc

Like
Reply
Keri Mills

Internal Auditor | Compliance | Enthusiastic Team Member

8y

This is interesting because I recently had been on numerous interviews and was never asked this question. If I find myself on the job market again I will be prepared for this question.

To view or add a comment, sign in

Insights from the community

Others also viewed

Explore topics