Google executive reveals what really matters in a job interview

Everything hinges on this one thing

When it comes to job interviews preparation is key, right? (Getty)

When it comes to the interview process, we’re often told that research and preparation will determine our chances of making it to the next stage but one Google executive says otherwise.

“What are your weaknesses?”, “Where do you see yourself in five years time?” - some questions are easier to answer than others but according to Peter Roper, Google’s head of mobile brand strategy, they don’t really matter.

Instead, he insists that making a connection with your potential employer is far more important.

As such, he prefers to ask questions like “What's your favourite colour?”, “What's the craziest thing that you've done?”, or “What are some things on your bucket list?”

These unusual topics get people out of their comfort zones and encourage them to share their passions, which makes for a far more interesting conversation.

“The questions don't matter as much as the conversation that happens after, in that it provides you a unique opportunity to really understand what someone's passionate about and what someone keys in on,” Roper tells CNBC.

“Our most productive people and productive employees are those that are happy," he adds

"Both happy and challenged, and feel that the work matters.”

So, next time you’re faced with a job interview, perhaps remember that it’s not perfectly rehearsed answers they’re interested in. They simply want to get to know you.