Interesting Interview Questions

Odd interview questions make a candidate think quickly.

You may have practiced your interviewing technique and feel very confident when meeting a potential employer. At some point the interviewer may ask a strange question that has nothing to do with the job for which you are applying. This is done for several reasons, such as determining how quickly you think, how you handle pressure and what type of personality you have.

What Is Your Weirdness Level?

Tony Hsieh, a technology businessman, runs Zappos, an online shoe, clothing and handbag store. According to a Jan. 9, 2010, article in The New York Times, Hsieh asks potential employees, "On a scale of one to 10, how weird are you?" The question gives insight into the candidate. If you take it too seriously and ask for additional information, you may be considered a serious person. If you answer with a one or two, you also are probably a serious person. However, if a business has a culture of being open to individuality, such as Zappos, a person who considers herself a bit weird might fit right in.

Who Would You Trade Places With?

The people who have influenced you say a lot about your personality. An interviewer may ask whom you admire or whom your hero is. The response is perhaps a good indicator of traits you aspire to have --- good or bad. To deepen the topic, an interviewer may ask with whom you would "trade places" with for a week. Any answer can be compelling if explained. For example, you may say Marilyn Monroe. Typically, this character may give a company some concerns. However, you may explain that you always wondered how Monroe dealt with the pressure of being presumed unintelligent when you believe she was intelligent. Your answer may show that you don't take people at face value, which can be an asset to the company.

What Were Your Childhood Interests?

Thought-provoking interview questions can delve into your childhood. Questions that focus on your interests as a child can give clues to your interests as an adult. The interviewer may ask about your favorite subject in elementary school. Your response can open up good dialogue during the interview. The interview will likely proceed with discussions about how you got to where you are now.

What Kind of Food Do You Eat?

If an interviewer asks, "What would I find in your refrigerator," the answer may be very revealing. If the answer is a six-pack of beer and leftover pizza, it may show you aren't taking care of yourself. However, if you are a 21-year-old versus a 35-year-old, expectations may be different. A younger person is culturally expected to not eat as well. At 35, a person should be looking after his health better.

Which Superhero Would You Be?

Explain traits that are important to you as a superhero.

An interviewer may ask, "What powers would you possess if you were a superhero?" The answer to this type of question can be very informative. If you delve into the subject, it may show strong creativity. However, depending on how you respond, it could show that you prefer to work alone. If you are exuberant about the question, it could show that you like to be the center of attention. That characteristic might be the perfect fit for a salesperson or someone required to do trade show presentations.

References

• "The New York Times"; On a Scale of 1 to 10, How Weird Are You?; Adam Bryant; Jan. 9, 2010
• Job Intervew Questions: Interview Questions
• Quintessential Careers: Don't Get Stumped by Off-the-Wall Job Interview Questions