Killer Interview Question: How Would You Describe Yourself In One Word?

This week’s KIQ is not for the long-winded. The question demands an answer that is succinct.

Paper and pen image from Shutterstock

There is a famous quote by former US president, Woodrow Wilson, on prepping for a speech:

“If it is a ten-minute speech it takes me two weeks to prepare; if it is a half-hour speech it takes me a week; if I can talk as long as I want it requires no preparation. I am ready now.”

It’s a statement on the difficulty in getting your point across in very few words. Rambling is easy, but speaking succintly with purpose is hard. Which is why Dara Richardson-Heron, the CEO of women’s organisation YWCA always asks job candidates to describe themselves in one word during the interview process.

While Richard-Heron doesn’t judge the candidates on what word they choose, she uses this opportunity to observe how applicants present themselves when answering the question. She prefers people that take time to think about the question and answer thoughtfully.

How would you tackle this KIQ? Let us know in the comments.

[Via Business Insider]


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