Making Decisions

With this question, the interviewer is looking to see what your decision-making process is like. How do you think? How do you approach a problem? Can you think critically about it and come to a rational, data-based solution or decision?
making decisions
Making decisions in a right way
You can walk them through the process of how you go about making a decision—talk about how you gather information, how you learn more about the problem, who you talk to, what books you read, what resources you consult, and what factors you take into account when you decide.

A great way to answer this is to walk them through a difficult decision you made (with a successful outcome).

Maybe it’s how you made the decision to fire someone, or it’s how you made the decision to assign resources to a particular function, even though it was unpopular.

Working for a younger manager

If you are asked this question, you are an older worker. Job seekers over 50 (sometimes, over 40) have a reputation for not being able to take orders from some young whippersnapper.
working for a younger manager
Working for a younger manager
Help them feel better about making the decision to hire you, by saying a definitive, “I’d be just fine with that. No problem.”

To lend yourself additional credibility, add a follow up statements:
  • “There’s a reason that person is in a supervisory position, and I know I’d learn something from them, no matter how old they are. I would look forward to their perspective.”
  • “Age doesn’t matter to me at all. What matters in a great boss is leadership ability, and knowledge of the business as well as future trends, enthusiasm, and communication skills.”
  • “I usually find that if someone knows a little less than me because they’re younger or don’t have as much experience, they know more than me in another area. I learn new things from just about everyone and I enjoy it.”

Who are you following on Twitter and why?

First, are you on Twitter? Do you Tweet? This question uncovers how much you participate in social media in general, how computer- and internet-savvy you are, and who you think is important enough to spend your valuable time on, finding out what they think.
who to follow on twitter and why
Following on twitter
Who you follow on Twitter says a lot about you and what is a priority in your life.Are you only following celebrities (I hope not) or looking for relevant and helpful information? Do you follow those who contribute to your personal or professional development? Are you following the major players and influencers in your field?

Here is a drop in the bucket of interesting people/organizations to follow on Twitter:

  • Brian Tracy – world-renowned speaker and coach for positive change in business and life
  • TEDTalks–mini lessons by experts in a variety of fields
  • Brian Solis – digital analyst, sociologist and futurist focuses on business-consumer relationship and social media strategy
  • Steve Randy Waldman – Private investor with insights on economics and finance
  • Mark Hunter – The Sales Hunter who tweets motivational insights on sales, leadership, and more
  • DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) – develops new technology for the military
  • Neil deGrasse Tyson – astrophysicist who tweets about science and makes great jokes

You can browse interests through a variety of topics to see any names you might recognize.

If you aren’t on Twitter, it’s worth it to get an account now and start exploring. You really can pick up a lot of useful news and information.

If you aren’t on Twitter and aren’t going to be, it’s OK to say that but then mention other social media you may participate in and how that is beneficial for you.