Originally Posted by
mr ripley
are after breadth and depth of knowledge and evidence behind views and claims.
First they have little idea where your 'breadth' might lie.
"What hobbies or pursuits do you have?"
Or
"Tell me what events you are aware of at home?"
That latter, or words similar, was asked shortly after the 2005 General Election. Surprisingly the General Election had been below the candidates radar.
If, however, some obscure hobby or event was mentioned it is not unlikely that
you the expert know more about the topic than the interviewer. You have immediately demonstrated breadth. The next question will ask you to amplify and, based on your answers, test depth.
If after just a couple of questions they realise that you do indeed have an indepth knowledge, both theoretical and practical, in underwater basket weaving do not worry if they cut you off in mid-flow.
They might ask (he's retired now) about the significance of the dispute over the Spratley Islands. The honest answer is what are the Spratley Islands [in my case it was Qumoy and Amoy]. They might then give you some information which will test your ability to assess the right answer.