I'm generally not one to throw around hyperbole, but I truly believe that what I'm about to reveal to you is the best question you can ask in an interview, simply because it reveals so much about a candidate and his character. I can't tell you how many times I've stumped people cold with this question. So whether or not you're an interviewer or interviewee, it would be best to prepare for it. Are you ready? Click below to see the answer.
The greatest interview question ever is:
What misconceptions do people have about you?
So, why is this such a great question?
No one has heard it before.
Make no mistake, this is not "What is your greatest weakness?" which is a pretty lame, tired question that every job candidate is ready for. I've seen more polished, prepared candidates try and pause the interview after I've asked this question to tell me that they've never heard it before. They say, "wow, that's a really good question," trying to buy time to formulate some kind of answer that they hope will please me. So, if you're looking for a genuine reaction from a candidate, this is a great question. And by the way, I'm not looking to be pleased by your answer, I'm just looking for an answer, for reason number 2.
It gauges your self awareness.
We generally hire people who have high self awareness because it demonstrates elevated EQ, or emotional intelligence. Folks who struggle with this question or try and pass on it (FYI I don't let them ever pass on it) have low self awareness. Basically, they have no clue what people think of them outside of their own narrative. People who can answer this question directly (and quickly) generally have high EQ. Those folks blend into your culture seamlessly and make the workplace a better environment.
Excellent candidates will crush this question.
I've come across about 5 candidates in my career who took this question in stride and gave answers that blew me away. Probably the best answer I've ever heard to this question is "People think I'm happy and switched on all the time because of how I am at work, but it takes a lot of effort for me." Amazing. Not only did this candidate answer quickly and honestly, but they told me something about how they feel responsible for leadership attributes even though they didn't have a job description that required leadership traits. By the way, I hired all five of these candidates and they were/are the best employees we've ever hired.
So, try and ask this question next time you're doing a round of interviews. I guarantee you'll be blown away by the transparency it gives you into your job candidates.
