What interviewers are actually assessing
Step 1 / 4·The three hidden questions
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Learning objectives — after this module you will:
- Understand the three hidden questions every interviewer is answering
- Tell apart what each interview round is testing
- Prepare effectively in the 60 minutes before an interview
The three hidden questions
Understand what's really being assessed.
However an interviewer phrases things, they're trying to answer the same three questions. Candidates who prepare by memorising answers to '50 common interview questions' often fail, because they answer the words correctly without touching these three.
The three questions and how they're asked
| Hidden question | Asked as | What you must show |
|---|---|---|
| Can you do this job? | 'Tell me about a time you handled…', technical questions, case exercises | Concrete examples with results, in a context as close as possible to theirs |
| Do you actually want this role? | 'Why did you apply?', 'What do you know about us?', 'Why are you leaving?' | Genuine research, and a reason tied to the work rather than just to leaving |
| Is working with you going to be fine? | Questions about conflict, teamwork, feedback, and how you talk about a former boss | How you describe other people — this is assessed far more than candidates realise |
The trap when talking about your last employer
'Why are you leaving?' mostly tests the third hidden question. Criticising a former boss or colleague nearly always hurts — not because the interviewer thinks you're wrong, but because they're picturing what you'll say about them at your next interview.
Key takeaway: Every question serves three hidden ones: can you do it, do you want it, can we work with you.