Page 78 - Boost Your Hiring

64 Boost Your Hiring IQ

ANSWERS
The Strongest Answer
(B) This is the strongest answer for several reasons. First the candi-
date listened to the question and answered what was asked:“Can
you give me an example of a time when . . .?”The question asks
for “an example of a time when,” and this answer gives a good
example. The candidate also demonstrated the key qualities of
planning, teamwork, and prioritizing. And the candidate dis-
played an attitude of being willing to do whatever it takes to get
the job done, as well as the ability to do it in a smart manner.

The Mediocre Answer
(A) Although the answer fails to go into specifics, this is an okay
answer because the candidate shares good information and has
the right energy behind it. The phrase, “I always do whatever
it takes to get the job done,” would require some probing to get
to a specific example of the behavior. If the candidate cannot
give a specific example, perhaps the words are empty and claim
something that may not be quite true.

The Weakest Answer
(C) This answer is weak for a couple of reasons. First, it shows that
the candidate lacks confidence through the use of words such
as “pretty good.” Candidates are either good or not good. It
also has the tone of someone who had to make a real effort to
get through a tedious task. Depending on the job that this per-
son is interviewing for, you will have to determine whether he
or she will burn out from the types of tasks that will be per-
formed in this position. The answer will require further prob-
ing to find out if this is a pattern of behavior or just boredom
with this particular task. Consider asking, “What happened to
the other work that had to be completed while you were so fo-
cused on this task?”

RATE YOURSELF
If you chose answer (B), give yourself 5 points.
If you chose answer (A), give yourself 3 points.
If you chose answer (C), give yourself 0 points. _____