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For me, the interesting questions are the follow-ups you can ask as people are talking about an experience or a situation:
1. That sounds like a tough situation; Iāve definitely been there. I know I tend to shy away from X, and have to push myself to do it. What did you find yourself fearful of or nervous about? How did you handle that / how has that changed how you work now?
2. Your clients sounded like they were under a great deal of pressure. Iāve definitely been in situations that became adversarial, rather than collaborative. How have you dealt with that kind of conflict? What kind of reaction comes naturally to you? How do you try to adjust that reaction?
3. How have you tried to bridge individual contributions with team success? Do you feel the recognition youāve received in your role is fair? Where have folks missed stuff?
4. What was motivating you in that situation? How are you balancing your short vs. long-term motivations? (Not goals)
This approach requires that you guard against āāmirroringā and other read the room techniques - but since those are core consulting skill sets, you can judge how slick they are vs. how open and forthright they are.
I like that these humanize you as the interviewer and make it a conversation - seems good for illiciting real answers and gaining a sense of what it would be like to work with the candidate
Toss up. 1) Your biggest weakness. Looking for truth, humility, judgement, being prepared, and no bullshit.
Use good judgement in choosing this, donāt make it something that is crucial to the job. But it should be true. Donāt try to spin it, present it as a fault, acknowledge the impact and say why youāre trying to do to fix.
What do I take away? That you are prepared for the things you do and that you understand at least a little of what the job entails.
Whatās the best compliment you have received? Shows both how their coworkers see them and what they value.
2) tell me about yourself - you get 2 minutes to explain your life trajectory that landed you here. I genuinely like to hear life stories and it gives you the chance to influence the direction of the interview. A well crafted response is noticeable, shows forethought, and demonstrates your ability to influence superiors such as future clients. But again, no BS. If you were born poor and had to break down the college doors to get in, then work two jobs to pay for it, I get it, but tread lightly. If I get one whiff of schmaltz, youāre done.
I always ask: āTell me about a time in the last year that you had to solve a problem and how you did it, can be personal or professionalā for ex. You got stuck in a foreign country with no one to call
It allows me to see how they worked through a problem and reveals if they have the one quality I look for, the ability to figure shit out and keep calm. Also gives them an opportunity to bring in an interesting personal story or work anecdote. Itās an open opportunity to tell me something interesting while showing me your skill set. Bonus points for funny or original stories.
A Partner asked me āhow do you show stressā. I thought that was a good question. Never been asked that one before.
Also, how would your teammates describe you.
Interesting bends on the typical strengths / weaknesses questions