Job interviews can be nerve-wracking. We’ve all been there! But sometimes they take an unexpected turn when interviewers throw in strange or funny questions…
Picture this: You’re in a job interview, feeling confident and prepared. The conversation is flowing smoothly, and you’re nailing all the technical questions. Then, out of nowhere, the interviewer says: ‘If you were a fruit, what fruit would you be and why?’ You’re caught off guard, searching for a clever response while trying to stay composed.
Believe it or not, strange and funny questions like these have become a common occurrence in today’s job interviews. The aim? To dig deeper into skills and qualities that go beyond the typical qualifications listed on a CV.
What is the purpose of weird interview questions?
While it might seem like a strange tactic to ask odd questions to a candidate during an interview, there is a method behind the madness! Odd interview questions are often designed to assess your thought process, creativity, problem-solving skills, and ability to handle unexpected situations. They can also help reveal more of your personality, how you handle pressure, and your ability to think outside the box.
Unconventional interview questions
“If you could have any superpower, what would it be?”
This question might seem like a fun icebreaker, but it can actually provide insight into your aspirations, values, and how you like to work. For example, if you choose the ability to read minds you might be well-suited for a role that involves empathy and understanding customer needs.
“If you were an animal, which one would you be and why?”
This odd interview question is often used to gauge your self-awareness, adaptability, and ability to draw parallels between your personality traits and those of the chosen animal. It reveals how individuals perceive themselves and how they can relate their qualities to the requirements of the job.
“How would you explain blockchain to a five-year-old?”
This question challenges candidates to simplify complex concepts and effectively communicate them to someone with limited knowledge. It tests your ability to adapt your communication style and break down complex ideas into easily understandable terms – which is a valuable skill in many professional settings.
Funny interview questions
“If you were a pizza topping, what would you be?”
This question allows interviewers to assess your creativity, versatility, and ability to think metaphorically.
“What would you do if you found a penguin in the freezer?”
Our first thought: what??? This question assesses your problem-solving abilities and your ability to think on your feet. While the scenario is unusual, interviewers are more interested in how you approach unexpected situations and come up with logical and creative solutions.
“You’ve been given an elephant. You can’t give it away or sell it. What would you do with the elephant?”
This question helps the interviewer evaluate your ability to reason. While there isn’t a ‘correct’ response to this question, it provides insight into your thinking process, priorities, and problem-solving skills. It can let you reveal a more authentic aspect of your personality while showing how you spontaneously think and handle unexpected situations.
More odd interview questions
“How many golf balls can fit in a school bus?”
This kind of question, known as an estimation or logic puzzle, tests your analytical skills, ability to make reasonable assumptions, and approach to problem-solving. While the specific answer is less important than your thought process, it showcases your ability to think critically and logically under pressure.
“What would you do if you were the sole survivor in a plane crash?”
This unusual question examines your resilience, adaptability, and decision-making skills in high-pressure situations. It helps interviewers understand how you may handle unexpected challenges and whether you can remain composed and make rational decisions in the face of adversity.
4 tips to help you deal with weird interview questions
While weird interview questions can catch you off guard, it’s important to remain calm and approach them with confidence. Here are a few tips to help you navigate these unconventional queries:
- Stay calm and composed – take a moment to gather your thoughts and don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if needed.
- Be genuine and authentic – instead of trying to guess what the interviewer wants to hear, answer honestly and showcase your unique personality and problem-solving abilities.
- Connect your answers to the job – even if the question seems totally unrelated to the role you are interviewing for, try to find a way to relate your response to the position’s requirements or desired skills.
- Think aloud – talk through your thought process to demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to tackle complex problems.
Weird interview questions may seem strange and out of place at first, but they serve a purpose in evaluating you beyond their technical qualifications. Embrace the unexpected, showcase your personality, and try to approach these questions with confidence. It’s not always about the ‘right’ answer but more about how you can handle the challenge and showcase your abilities.
Are you ready to impress your interviewers, no matter what odd questions they throw your way? Start preparing today with Intaso. Get in touch!
