ππ ππ‘π ππ§πππ«π―π’ππ°: “πππ₯π₯ π¦π ππ‘ππ πππ§!”
In an interview coaching session yesterday with a client, he asked me to review the above question with him. It was asked at one interview two weeks ago, and he has always found it difficult to answer.
I told him it wasn’t a ‘gotcha’ question although I thought they had stopped asking such a question. It’s a question that’s typically asked of candidates who are in sales to get a sense of how they think. It’s not necessarilyΒ about whatΒ they say.
Earlier, he and I were discussing how he could use AI in his job search, particularly ChatGPT, so we decided to test the tool for a sample answer.
He used this prompt:
“I am interviewing for a job as an Investment Banker. What’s your answer to this interview question: “Sell me that pen”? Why do they ask such a question?”
He shared his screen with me with the answer:
“The question “Sell me that pen” is a classic interview question often used to evaluate a candidate’s sales skills and ability to think on their feet.
“This pen has a sleek design with a comfortable grip that makes it easy to hold for extended periods. It’s made with high-quality materials, which ensure it will last for a long time.
“Additionally, the pen uses a special ink formula that flows smoothly and dries quickly, making it perfect for everyday use in a variety of settings.
“Furthermore, this pen has a sleek and professional appearance, making it a great choice for business settings or for anyone who wants to make a good impression with their writing instruments.
“Overall, this pen is a reliable and high-quality writing tool that is both functional and stylish. It’s an excellent investment for anyone who values the importance of having a good pen on hand.”
He was quite surprised, but decided he would modify the answer to fit his speaking style. I thought the answer was not bad for a first try.
Am I worried about losing clients to these tools. Not really. I saw it as an opportunity for him to learn what’s trending on the job search landscape, and to grow from the experience.
No matter how far technology advances, it can’t replace warm, kind and empathetic human beings. That’s where we, as career coaches, come in. On top of that, the tool didn’t see the reaction I saw on the client’s face when he saw what was, and is possible.
Adopt or perish!
