An opinion-based question is a request for information that can be responded to in a very straightforward and usually brief manner. This is important information and has its place in an interview. But this line of interviewing is limited in scope and can reveal little more than one isolated fact per question. Behavior based interviewing requires more in-depth answers and is specifically designed to illuminate the how, why and what in a person's work record as it relates to their behavior. These questions provide insight into a person's basic approach to getting the job done and how well they really perform.
Most interviewers ask opinion-based questions, get an answer, and move on to another area.
It's quite simply the only way they know how to interview. If you find yourself in this kind of humdrum situation, here's a secret tip from the recruiter's handbook that can help you put dynamite in the interview and get your name moved to the top of the candidate list. It had 150 nodes and presented some unique design quirks that I'd like to tell you about. Related links Amy Schurr is an editor for Network World's Management Strategies and Features sections. Careers index Past newsletters.