How Would You Feel About a One Question Interview?

John Krautzel
Posted by in Career Advice


Job candidates investigate potential interview questions and prepare responses to a variety of topics such as strengths, weaknesses, work experience and skills. However, some interviewers throw candidates a curve ball by just asking one question. Know how to prepare for the best or worst question by evaluating how to answer even the most bizarre questions.

Some interviewers like to test creative thinking skills and spontaneous reactions of candidates by asking only one question during an interview. For example, Adi Azaria of Sisense prefers to ask, "If I could take you 300 years to the past, or take you from 300 years ago and into the present, where do you think you would survive longer?"

According to Azaria, just one question asked that is outside of the box during job interviews tests the candidates' ability to think creatively, prompts individuals to divulge fears and strengths, and reveals what the candidates care about. Candidates who focus on ways to make money as a means to survival demonstrate that they are motivated by money, which is a positive trait in the sales industry but possibly a negative trait in other industries. Candidates who indicate the past is a safer place when answering interview questions may indicate fear of taking risks. The interpretation lies within the interviewer, but how a candidate maintains a professional demeanor and a creative response can significantly impact the interview. The strongest element of curve ball interview questions is that there is no right or wrong answer, says Azaria.

Prepare for a one-question interview by seeking out ways to cover interests, experience and goals within one answer to communicate with the interviewer about your skills, personality and motivation. Interviews with one or just a few interview questions require you to come up with a brief, concise response, which is a necessary skill in the workplace. Identify 30 seconds' worth of material that can accurately identify why you are a solid fit for the position and for the company and its goals.

Rehearse responses to common interview questions that you can use in a one-question interview, such as turning your response to "tell me about yourself" into a 30-second elevator pitch. Discuss education relevant to the position, detail your accomplishments in past positions, outline your computer and technical skills, and relay your personal interests that impact the professional workplace, such as volunteer work.

Preparation is key when you're faced with a one-question interview. Rehearse interview questions that are both common and bizarre to avoid surprises, and compile a 30-second elevator pitch that summarizes your experience, education and professional accomplishments to impress the interviewer. Candidates who can think creatively while providing brief and concise answers may find that a one-question interview is a blessing in disguise.


Photo Courtesy of Ambro at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

 

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  • TEMESGEN A.
    TEMESGEN A.

    Am actually new to such kind of interview but I really get insight if incase I get the chance to be candidate .

  • Jessica  S.
    Jessica S.

    Thank you for your support its hard out here. When you got 4 young little beautiful boys that depends on you . But when there's people who are like you out there it helps people like me to keep going Thanks so much

  • Nancy Anderson
    Nancy Anderson

    @Tabitha it sounds like a work from home job is what you need right now. There are many sites that post these types of jobs. Don't just limit yourself to office management but check out some of the jobs and see if you could work in other areas. How about being a virtual assistant? Or maybe you like to write. There are tons of freelance writing positions all over the Internet. Virtual Vocations would have a lot of the positions you need. What about something in medical billing? You could get a certificate online for that. Same with medical transcription. Many jobs like this are work from home type jobs. What about childcare in your home? What about something in retail? What about at one of the local schools? Especially with an office management background - you would fit in quite well. I hope this helps. We truly wish you all the best.

  • Tabitha C.
    Tabitha C.

    I have been struggling looking for a another job in office management since 2011. I live in a very small town and used to work for a multi million dollar oil and gas company owned and operated by my ex in-laws. After my divorce than it has been almost impossible to find a job nearby with in my town or close too.. I have 3 teen children now and working odd jobs since the divorce hasn't been cutting the bills. It's hard raising teens alone. I lost everything in my divorce so I had to basicly start from scratch. It's been the longest past few yrs since I was married right out of high school to the father of all my children. Then I was no longer needed at the office which I hadn't and oversee for over 10 yrs. Since it seems like no matter how many resumes I have sent in than never get a call back. I have tons of experience. Running and operating the core of a business takes hard work and dedication. I live in a small town in Kentucky so if anyone knows of any please send me a message or any guildance to what I maybe doing wrong please feel free to let me know. I accept all the help I can possibly get. If I don't find something very soon than I have no idea what I am going to do supporting my children. I am already looking online for a stay at home job but those I can't trust completely because of our only vehicle broke down few months back and I have to arrange for the kids to be picked up by friends or family. I walk to where ever need to go. Also about to loose our home. So please any info I would great appreiciate so much!!!

  • Nancy Anderson
    Nancy Anderson

    @Jessica so sorry to hear you got fired from your position. Have you checked in with the unemployment office and applied for assistance? What about your local county office? Many county offices offer not only the SNAP but offer job service counseling along with resume writing assistance, etc. You might want to consider checking them out. Ask around to family and friends and see if anyone knows of a position. Jobs are out there - more plentiful today than in the past ten years. Don't give up hope. Keep applying; keep networking and check out any options available to keep you afloat until the next position opens up for you. We wish you all the best.

  • Jessica  S.
    Jessica S.

    I have worked for nine years at a food pantry and just recently got fired I am having a very hard time finding a job I did not think that it would would be so hard to find a job I got a high school diploma I would do anything or work I have 4kids to care for so if anyone has information on or about a Job please inform me this is killing me with out a job

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