Have you ever wondered why interviewers always ask, “which one would you choose?”
If so, you are not alone. Countless others who have struggled through the uncomfortable interview process have wondered the same.
Luckily, the interview process does not have to be daunting when you learn how to tackle grueling questions confidently.
In this article, find out why interviewers ask, “which one would you choose,” and discover witty answers, sure to impress interviewers and get you one step closer to a job offer.
Why Do Interviewers Ask “Which One Would You Choose?”
Anyone who has ever sat through a grueling interview will agree that answering interview questions on the spot can feel intimidating. Finding the correct replies to the interview questions can be a struggle.
One question interviewers ask is, “which one would you choose?” This question may seem difficult when you are on the spot during an interview.
But, when you take the time to think about the question, you can more easily understand why the interviewer asks it. Here are some reasons interviewers ask this question during an interview:
To Assess Personality Traits
The answer you give the interviewer is not limited to right or wrong. The interviewer is looking for your personality traits presented, such as the following characteristics:
- Adaptability
- Honesty
- Integrity.
To Evaluate Your Response Time
The interviewer is looking to see how long you take to come up with an answer to this question.
Again, your answer is not as important to the interviewer as the time you take to answer the question. Your quick response time helps the interviewer determine if you are a fast thinker and how you will handle challenges in the workforce.
To Judge Your Ambition Level
Sometimes the interviewer asks, “which would you choose” to see if you would pick the less complicated approach or a more detailed plan with higher rewards.
Your answer helps determine if you are a go-getter on the job or someone who lacks initiative.
To Learn How You Handle Stress and Complex Situations
Another reason an interviewer would ask a question that makes you think is to see how you deal with stress on the job and how you handle difficult situations in the workplace.
What is the Interviewer Looking For?
Your mannerisms during an interview help the interviewer determine if you are the right candidate for their company.
Now that you have a better understanding of why the interviewer would as, why would you choose, here are some suggestions for how to answer the question to impress the interviewers:
- Be Positive: Affirm the question to show the interviewer your most likable qualities and positive personality traits.
- Answer Promptly: Have a quick reply ready for the interviewer to show them you are a quick thinker and an asset to their company.
- Show Ambition: Choose your answer wisely to show the interviewer that you are ambitious and a high achiever.
- Stay Calm: Remain focused, relaxed, and calm to let the interviewer know you can easily tackle stressful situations.
How to Answer “Which One Would You Choose?”
Here are some more helpful suggestions for answering the interview question, “which one would you choose,” sure to impress your interviewer and help to persuade them you are the right person for the job:
What to Focus On When Answering This Question
Understandably, the interview process can be challenging. But to make it less stressful, here are some suggestions to consider to ensure the interview process runs smoothly:
- Employee Perspective: Ask yourself the intent behind the question and gear your answer towards job relevance.
- Listen Carefully to the Question: Ensure you understand the question before replying. Never hesitate to ask the interviewer to repeat a question. It is better than giving a wrong answer.
- Give a Complete Response: Never rush an answer. Ensure you have given a complete response before moving on to the next interview question.
- Highlight Your Previous Skills: It never hurts to brag a little in an interview and let the interviewer know you are qualified and confident in your abilities to perform the job well.
Other suggestions to keep in mind during an interview include staying positive, honest, relaxed, and focused.
What To Avoid When Answering This Question
Even though interviews can make you feel anxious and uncomfortable, when you take the time to prepare for the process, interviews can be a little less overwhelming.
Here are some suggestions of things you should avoid doing during an interview:
- Avoid Negativity: Stay positive and professional during an interview, even though it may be stressful. Positivity shows the interviewer that you are upbeat and can handle stress.
- Never Refuse To Answer a Question: Even if a question stumps you during an interview, give it your best shot at an intelligent response.
- Avoid Asking About Pay, Benefits, or Vacation: An interview lets you show off your talents and skills. Bringing up pay takes the spotlight off your qualities. There is time to ask questions at the end of the interview.
- Avoid Cliches or Overly Rehearsed Answers: When using a rehearsed answer to an interview question, be original in your responses and avoid cliches.
Other suggestions to avoid during an interview include using foul language, talking bad about past employers, discussing your lack of expertise in the company, or irrelevant personal information about yourself that has no relation to the job specifications.
Example Answers To Consider
Here are some suitable answers when an interviewer asks the challenging question, “which one would you choose?”
Example Answer 1
Considering my lack of experience in the subject, I would choose the second topic. Choosing this topic allows me to learn more valuable knowledge and widen my skills.
Acquiring new skills will better assist my role in your corporation in the future and help make me become a more valuable team member.
Why This Answer Works
This answer to the question works even though you are not an expert on the subject.
Choosing something you know the least about shows the interviewer that you are a person who loves a challenge and you are not afraid to take risks for doing your job.
Example Answer 2
I would pick the first topic because it is something that I have always been interested in, and I would love to learn more valuable information.
I am always eager to learn more about a topic that interests me. I am also fortunate for the opportunity to get together with other team members and take part in things I love to do.
Why This Answer Works
This answer is one of the most acceptable answers to the question because it lets the interviewer know you are happy with the perks offered and interested in learning more about what they have available to their staff members.
This answer also shows the interviewer that you are a positive person who is interested in the perks but also appreciative.
Example Answer 3
Through the experience I have gained in my previous employment, I think I am most qualified for the first topic.
By choosing this topic, I would make a valuable asset to your organization and bring skills and experience to the table.
Why This Answer Works
This answer is also an ideal response to the question because it tells the interviewer that you have experience and offers valuable skills the company can benefit from.
This answer also allows you to brag about your experience and skills and share your valuable assets with the interviewer.
Additional Tips for Impressing an Interviewer Asking Which One Would You Choose?
Besides giving the best answers to interview questions, here are some other pointers to consider when making the best first impression during a job interview:
- Be on Time for the Interview: Arriving at your interview at least fifteen minutes beforehand shows the employer that you are dependable.
- Dress Appropriately: Wear something suitable to your interview, such as a blouse and dress pants. Do not show up in shorts or sweatpants.
- Ensure Cleanliness: Cleanliness tells the interviewer a lot about who you are. Ensure your hair is neat and your body, clothes, and fingernails are clean.
- Be Honest: Honesty is the best policy in an interview. Although it is tempting to embellish ourselves, it is always better to tell the truth about your experience and education in a job interview.
Additional Questions To Be Aware Of
We have provided you with some useful information to tackle the question,” which one would you choose?”
Here is a list of other questions an interviewer may ask during your interview:
- Where Do You See Yourself in Five Years?: Ensure your response includes a more lucrative position than your current job status.
- What Are You Looking For In Your Next Role?: Give a positive response, stating the expectations of your next role.
- Who Inspires You?: Remember to keep your answer job-related, such as a professor, mentor, or past supervisor.
- Where Do You See Yourself In 10 Years?: Express your desire to climb the ladder of success.
- Why are You The Best Person for This Job?: Bragging rights to tell the interviewer about your assets and job experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
For more information about how to achieve a successful job interview, here is a list of frequently asked questions and answers.
Should you let the interviewer know you want the job?
Yes, it is imperative to show the interviewer that you are very interested in the job.
Being assertive in your desire to get the job shows the interviewer that you are ambitious and will be an asset to the organization.
Who should speak first in a job interview?
It is essential to remember to allow the interviewer to speak first in a job interview. Then, answer the question politely and professionally to the best of your ability.
The only time you should ask the interviewer questions is when they ask if you have questions to ask.
Wrapping Up
This wraps up our article about why interviewers always ask, “which one would you choose?” In this article, we have answered the daunting question and given you some excellent example answers to use in your interview.
We hope we have given you some practical information to impress the interviewers and get your foot in the door of your new career opportunity.
