Former Microsoft HR boss gives answer to one question that 'makes or breaks' job interviews

Although preparing for a job interview is hard work, the people quizzing you about your strengths and weaknesses don't exactly have it easy either.

People who have the responsibility of vetting potential candidates only have a short amount of time to ask the right questions to help them determine whether you're a good fit for the job or not.

So although speculating about what you might get asked is a chore, spare a thought for those who have to come up with the interrogation script and essentially have the fate of the entire company in their hands.

The stress of the whole charade is probably why Steve Jobs decided to invent his 'beer test' technique to weed out the applicants who just don't fit the vibe, as who wouldn't take a pint and a stroll over cross-examining someone's CV?

But obviously, not all employers can use booze-related job interviews to find the best of the best.

Instead, they have to come up with some unusual questions which can catch people off guard and can supposedly 'make or break' the entire thing.

The former Vice President of HR at Microsoft revealed he had a pretty unique one to help him weed out the time wasters, which he quickly fires out 'shortly after the pleasantries'.

Chris Williams, who is also a podcaster, consultant and TikTok creator, said that he always asked candidates the same question to see who ticked all his boxes.

You might get thrown a curve ball during your job interview (Getty stock photo)

Writing for Insider, he explained: “There are a few important things I'm looking for when hiring. I want to see a smart, passionate learner who can communicate.

“Someone who can dive right into whatever challenge comes their way. A person who will promptly learn what they need to and help others by sharing what they've learned.”

And for Williams, it all hinges on one question, which he likes to ask pretty early on as he reckons it helps set the tone of the interview while also prompting ‘great conversation’.

So, what is this incredible question which can either get you sent packing or have you choosing out your new desk?

Chris Williams reckons he came up with the perfect question to ask candidates (YouTube/CLWill)

Well, Williams simply asks: “Tell me something you've learned in the last couple of days.”

He explained that their answer doesn’t necessarily have to be about work – it could be ‘anything, just something you’ve learned very recently’.

He says a ‘great’ candidate will have a ready answer, continuing: “Maybe they've learned how to format pivot tables in Excel. Perhaps it's how to make a better battle bot. Could be the history of a poet they love.

"Or how to teach their child to ride a bike. Maybe it's how to cook leeks.

“I've seen people talk about games they love and sports they've just picked up.

Asking people what they learnt recently can provide a great answer. (Getty stock image)

"One positively lit up about racing cars. Their passion for the details mixed with the adrenaline of the sport was fun to listen to.

"And their fascination for the connection between the electronic and mechanical technology told me they would be great in the project I was hiring for.

"A great communicator will know how to frame their passion for the topic. They will make it easy to share what they've learned. Their enthusiasm will show through.

"If you get a candidate who looks at you blankly, and says essentially 'I've got nothing,' you have an issue. It doesn't happen often; most people have something they've learned, something they can share."