A tough competency based interview question

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In my meeting with Andy Griffin last week we discussed some tough interview techniques.

Andy said that one of his favourite interview questions (particularly for sales people) was –

“If you were a dog, what would you be?”

This is one where the answer does not matter – it’s the way that you answer it.

Andy said that there are lots of people who give you all the right text-book answers (the guarded ones that don’t reveal too much), but when they get to this question they are thrown right off guard and give you a real insight.

You might expect an answer like “I would be a Jack Russell because I like to sink my teeth in and never give up till I get the sale.”

The most surprising answer was “I would be a Spaniel.” When asked to explain, he said that he was well liked, had lots of energy and was able to build rapport with people. A good answer.

So which dog would you be and do you have any other examples of good interview questions? Leave your answers in the Forum

 

Author: Jonty Pearce

Published On: 5th Dec 2011 - Last modified: 6th Jul 2018
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4 Comments
  • I would be a mongrel as I am very complex on the one hand I am very loyal like a collie on the other hand I am very disaplined like an alsation also very fun loving like a boxer so very adaptable

    shirley 19 Oct at 09:21
  • I would be a bull mastif. They are very loyal, walk with a swagger (showing confidence), cuddly, Strong and respected by other dogs. They are docile unless you poke them with a stick when they are likely to bite you.

    Garth 13 Feb at 14:08
  • I was once asked if you were a fish in the sea what would you be?
    I first thought a Shark but then thought a shark would terrorise all the other fish make them scared and be very unpopular! So I thought what about a Dolphin which is intelligent, a good swimmer, does tricks and is well liked by all!

    Barrie Hayward 29 Mar at 23:08
  • [editor note: dolphins are apparently mammals – thanks for everyones feedback]

    Rachael Boynton 28 Jul at 16:45