Work interviews can be an already somewhat stressful process. Your nerves are high and the interviewer can throw you away with nasty questions you didn’t expect.
Imagine this: you are interviewing for your dream job, and the employment manager says, “If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be? You are confused (intentional to be a pun).
These strange interview questions are designed to test your creativity, critical thinking, and personality. In many cases, companies want to streamline their employment processes and streamline candidates to veterinarians quickly and effectively, so they can ask these random questions to see if they can think carefully on their feet. There is no way to guarantee which questions you are asking in your next job interview, but I found out the off-box interview questions that someone might use, as well as the reasons to ask these questions.
1. If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be, and why?
This question may seem strange, but it is a way to measure your self-awareness and your ability to think with your feet. Consider choosing a tree that reflects your personality and work ethic. For example, oak trees represent strength and reliability, while cherry blossoms represent beauty and renewal. Describe your choice by linking the characteristics of the tree to your quality.
If you’ve ever been surprised by this question, take your time and try not to choose a tree without giving a reason. Also, you don’t have to be an arborist to come up with the answer. Maybe you don’t know the name of the tree outside your home, but you like the way it changes color every year.
You can share this as an example and say you want to grow and improve your skill set in the next position, while still allowing you to generate fresh ideas and concepts. The key is to demonstrate thoughtful considerations and the ability to associate abstract concepts with your personal attributes.
2. How would you explain the internet to someone in the 1800s?
This brain teaser question tests your ability to simplify complex ideas. Imagine talking to someone who has never encountered modern technology. “The Internet is like a huge library where people all over the world can access information instantly.” Use similar items familiar to people of that era, such as libraries or telegraphs.
The goal is to demonstrate that you can communicate effectively with individuals with different levels of understanding.
3. If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?
This question reveals the aspirations and values ​​of the interviewees. Think about superpowers that match the jobs you are applying to. For example, if you are applying for a Project Management role, you can choose Super-Speed ​​to efficiently handle multiple tasks. Explain how this power benefits your work and contributes to your team.
Be creative, but make sure your answer reflects the qualities associated with that position. Avoid cliches like “I want to save the world” and focus on how your superpowers increase value in your work settings.
4. If you could compare yourself to an animal, what would it be?
This question evaluates how you view yourself and your abilities. It may be the perfect time to mention your cat or personal movie references at home. If the interview is very casual, this may be fine. But the odds are that the interviewer is trying to insert fun questions to test your self-awareness and unique qualities without asking you directly.
Choose the animals that embody the quality you have. For example, dolphins represent intelligence and teamwork, while eagle means vision and leadership. Always explain your choices by highlighting the characteristics of the animals and how they relate to your strengths and experiences.
5. If you could have dinner with three dead or alive, who would they be?
This is actually one of the more common and traditional interview questions people ask, and could also be an icebreaker. Therefore, it is always advisable to have some responses available. Don’t think too hard about trying to say what someone wants to hear. Who do you respect and respect, and why? It’s just as easy.
Choose who inspired you or who has a connection to your career. For example, you can choose a historical figure, a business leader, or a personal mentor. Explain why you chose each and what you want to learn from them. The goal is to show the depth of your choice and how these people have shaped your perspective and perhaps shaped your values.
6. What do you think is your weakness?
This classic question requires honesty and self-awareness. Choose real weaknesses, but frame them in a way that shows commitment to improvement. You are likely to be asked this question during the interview, so analyze your characteristics in advance.
For example, this may be relevant. “I sometimes struggle with delegating tasks because I like to ensure that things are done perfectly. But I’ve been working to trust my team more and focus on my big painting goals.” The key is to turn the negative into positive by showing that you are actively dealing with your weaknesses.
7. How do you sell ice to Eskimos?
This is one of the stupid questions that will help interviewers to test your persuasion and creativity. The goal here is to sell the product to someone who doesn’t seem to need it. If you are applying for a sales job, your boss will want to know that you have sales and persuasive skills, along with the ability to highlight key features of a particular product and service.
So, regarding this question, “It emphasizes the purity and quality of the ice, suggesting that it is used, such as sculpture and medical purposes, not only to keep things cold, but to use them.” It can also be mentioned how ice comes from a safer or cleaner source than what is currently being used to further differentiate the product. When answering these types of questions, we will focus on identifying unique selling points and addressing potential objections.
8. If you were a brand, what would your catchphrase be?
If you are applying for a marketing or creative job, this question may not be caught off guard, but it is definitely a brain teaser. This question evaluates your thought process and creativity, as well as your branding and marketing skills. Please fill in the blank with a brand that reflects your professional identity.
For example, if you think you are innovative, you might choose Apple and say, “I think it’s not.” Describe how the catchphrase encapsulates your approach to work and aligns with your values. Be creative, but make sure the answers enhance your personal brand and the qualities you bring to the job.
9. What do you believe others might object?
Strange Interview Questions Questions like this test your critical, analytical thinking and willingness to support your beliefs. Choose a belief that is professionally relevant but not overly controversial.
For example, “I believe remote work is more productive than traditional office settings given the right tools and mindset.” Explain your reasoning and provide examples to support your beliefs. The goal is to show that you can be thoughtful and back up your opinions with evidence and reasoning.
If this is too technical question or could lead you to say something offensive, consider stopping more time by asking for clarity or asking you to take a deep breath with examples. This gives you time to think. If everything else fails, mention that you really believe and wait, even if most people agree.
“That’s a great question. I’ve never honestly thought about this, but I’ll do my best to provide the answer right now.” Then you’re still a team player and you’re trying to get involved in the entire interview process.
10. How do you deal with being the only person on an umbrella-free team during a storm?
This question examines problem solving and wit. Don’t think too much about such stupid questions. Ideally, you might ask someone to share an umbrella or find a covered area to avoid the rain. But again, some positions for creative or innovative work lead to such strange questions. Explain how you can approach a situation creatively and practically.
For example, “Look for shelters, work with team members to share umbrellas, or use available materials to create makeshift covers” emphasize your ability to stay calm under pressure and find solutions in challenging situations. The aim is to demonstrate adaptability and teamwork skills.
11. If you were stuck on a desert island, what would you bring?
This question gives you a glimpse into your priorities and ability to solve or deal with complex problems. Select items that reflect practicality and wit.
For example, “I have a water filtration system for clean drinking water, a satellite phone for communication as a tool for building shelters and building defensive weapons.” Explain why you chose each item and how it can help you survive. The key is to demonstrate the ability to prioritize and think logically in difficult situations.
Tips for answering unusual interview questions
Yes, many of the questions on this list are mostly unexpected, but that’s the point. The interviewer may be caught off guard by a random interview question, looking at how you respond with your feet and trying to assess your critical thinking skills and traits.
Such entertaining interview questions are not just intended to break the ice and add humor to the hiring process. They also aim to determine your problem-solving ability, response to unexpected situations, self-awareness, creativity, and more. So, before you go to the interview, summarise these things in your head.
Here are some tips to help you when these questions come up:
- Be honest and authentic with your answer.
- Use this opportunity to showcase your strengths, values ​​and experiences.
- Please select an example related to the job you are applying to.
- Avoid controversial or off-topic reactions.
- Return the answers to position and corporate culture.
- You’re asked to check out sites like Glassdoor to see if you’re sharing specific interview questions and be prepared.
Be prepared for strange interview questions
Don’t let strange interview questions drop your focus. Then you will start talking about your personal life, your home habits, how you got your pet, and more. You should always be honest, but make sure that each answer applies to the job you are about to be hired by relating it.
By preparing thoughtful and relevant answers, you can turn these curveballs into a stepping stone to land your dream job. The key is to stay calm, become yourself, and use these questions to highlight the qualities that make you the perfect candidate.
Do you tolerate the interview process? Here is a list of 10 legal remote no-interview jobs!