Here is something I would do when interviewing candidates to see just how prepared they were. It would catch them off guard and cause a lot of stress.
"The Dreaded Interview Question...Are You ready to Answer It?"
You've prepared for the interview and you're feeling great. The interview starts and it's now time for the questions but no sweat, you are ready or so you think. You are asked a question such as:
"Tell me about a time you worked on a team and not everyone got along or pulled their own weight. How did it go and what did you do?"
"What is your greatest weakness?" (this is a favorite question to ask by most people who interview)
You answer the question following the S.T.A.R. method I teach you in my book, Graduate With A Job and feel great. All of a sudden you get thrown a curve ball, the dreaded interview question you were not expecting.
They say "That was a great example. Can you give me another example of when you were on a team or another weakness?" You prepared to give one example to each question, NOT TWO. Why would someone do this you think to yourself.
Ouite simply, they want to see how prepared you are and how well you respond under pressure when thrown a curve ball. Everyone interveiwng knows that people prepared answers to give and read books that will help then...or atleast they should. They also know that most people never prepare to give multiiple examples to a questions. If I really wanted to see how prepared a candidate is and how they work under pressure I would throw this second question their way. I was always amazed by the number of people that would stumble and fall all over their words.
Don't let this happen to you, prepare and be ready. By having a simple second answer ready you'll be able to hit the curve ball out of the park!
