Gallup Interview Method

Different Organisations use different interview methods to find qualified candidates. This article provides a brief overview of the Gallup Interview method.
The Gallup model of interviewing is unique in the sense that it is geared towards predicting future job success by seeking out and assessing innate talent as predictors of job success. This is a major differentiator from conventional hiring processes which rely mainly on broad assessments of the candidate's knowledge, competencies and previous work experience.

What is the Gallup Interview?

The Gallup interview process looks at what success in a particular role looks like and seeks to match candidates with roles in which their strengths can be optimised.
Founded by Don Clifton, a psychology graduate, Gallup uses verified interview techniques to highlight qualities and traits that make people succeed in particular jobs or occupations.
Rather than focusing on detecting undesirable traits, Gallup looks at success, and through a stringent process of interviews tries to recognise these success factors in potential hires. The Gallup interview questions are aimed to probe and challenge the candidate to think about the talents that come most naturally to them and then demonstrate how these talents are applied in their everyday life. The focus then is on the natural talent of potential hires as a predicator for Job success.
The Gallup theory posits that although skills, education and knowledge are important, nothing predicts long-term success in a role like natural talent.
There is also research from the Gallup organisation that indicates that people and organizations will function best when each individual develops and optimises his or her strengths in best fit roles. This is a key reason why the Gallup interview processes is aimed at digging deep through a series of questions to discover the candidates unique strengths and “Life Themes” with a view to leveraging them in roles that are best suited.

Gallup Life Themes.

The Gallup Life Themes Theory posits that every individual has consistent, recurring patterns of thoughts, feelings and behaviour which can be referred to as ‘Life Themes’.
In line with these life themes, The Gallup interview seeks to bring to the fore, these patterns of thoughts, feelings and behaviours out of candidate through a series of validated questions and then weigh them against the key competencies needed for the role profile.

What to expect with a Gallup Interview

The Gallup interview may be completed online or over the phone, depending on the role for which you have applied.
The interview questions are designed to prompt the candidates’ most natural responses. It is therefore almost impossible and ill-advised to try to script responses in advance. A better approach would be to answer the questions as honestly as possible and let your responses reflect your true thoughts, personality and behaviours.
While some questions may seem irrelevant, they are verified and validated to probe or answers that provide insight to candidate fit for the role. It is important to remember that each question is linked to the end goal of identifying your strengths and possible fit for the role.

There is no need to over prepare for a Gallup interview. It is advisable to think about previous work and life experience in order to provide a coherent response.
Finally, it is important to relax and stay present. Be open and honest and back up all responses with situational examples.

Sample Gallup Interview questions:

• How competitive are you?
• Tell me about a time when you really felt successful?
• Tell me about a professional experience when you really felt uncomfortable in your role?
• What is the best praise you ever received? How did that make you feel?
• Are you a quick thinker?
• Do you speak to people with candor?
• Describe a time when you spoke to someone with candor?
• Describe a time you changed your personal life to accommodate work?
• Do you keep records?
• Describe how you keep records?
• How do you organize your day?
• Do you prefer a set salary or a commission type job?
• Why is it important to you to keep a promise?
• Do you have a certain routine you live by?
• Do you usually seek out the leadership position?
• Describe a time when you sought out the leadership position?

Best of luck with your job search process!

Sources:
http://www.standardlifeinvestments.com/careers/recruitment_process/gallup_interview.html
http://www.gallup.com/home.aspx