This happens to be a quintessential question in an interview. Especially, if you have applied for a job that requires creative skills, then this is the question that you have to answer.
But, have you considered what goes on in the mind of an interviewer when he bounces off the question? What is his/her psyche? What is he/she trying to gauge? Well, the most important reason of darting such a question is, to understand whether the interviewee knows about himself/herself or not?
Interview Question: “So, do you think you are creative?” Essentially, if the interviewee answers the question as, “Yes, I am creative,” then the next logical question of the interviewer would be, “OK. Can you provide an instance where you have showcased the ability?” If the interviewee fumbles or gives a vague answer, he/she has had it! He/she will be chucked out of the interview right there and then.
Now, let’s consider another example.
Interviewer: “Are you creative?”
Interviewee: “As a matter of fact, yes I am. The ability enabled me to incorporate ergonometric features and social networking applications in the Beta-User Interface.”
Clearly, it is an appropriate answer. Firstly, the interviewee has provided with an instance wherein he/she has utilized the ability in a business environment. Secondly, he/she has prompted the interviewer to ask him/her questions related to the field in which he/she is comfortable in. Perhaps, he/she has been able to direct the flow of questions in his/her favor.
Leaving aside the creative fields where creativity is a prerequisite talent, these days interviewers consider creativity as an important characteristic while selecting an employee. This may be attributed to a research that states that successful people have a creative bent of mind.
As per the research, creativity stems out 4 characteristics that define a successful man:
1. Originality: A novel idea always makes an individual stand out in the cluttered space. Though, it is bound to face fierce opposition but if it is backed up with research, it is sure to create success. Recruiters value individuals who possess the ability to think out-of-the-box, for they know that such individuals can never get caught in a ‘rat-race’. Such individuals can turn ‘Dead-Ends’ into possibilities.
2. Unique Production methods: Creative individuals are always on the look-out for an ideal way to do things. Many a times, this leads to innovative production processes that are bound to generate profits.
3. Change: Creative people welcome change as it should be. They are never hard bound to processes and can easily adapt to meet the changing needs of the business environment. Creative individuals are nimble-footed. This is a rare quality which any recruiter looks for in an interviewee.
4. Curious and Sensitive: Creative individuals have a curious mind. They have a propensity to not accept a norm/ a method without analyzing it enough. The curiosity enables them think-beyond and consider alternatives. Moreover, they are sensitive by nature. They are keen observers and thus, possess the ability to have holistic viewpoint on a subject.