Find out their purpose and how to master them!
Job interviews are often likened to a high-stakes game of chess, where both the candidate and the recruiter strategically manoeuvre to achieve their objectives. While traditional interview questions assess a candidate’s qualifications and experience, a growing trend in the world of hiring is the use of weird, or curveball questions.
Let’s be honest, an interview is a nerve-wracking experience, and as if the anxiety of presenting your qualifications and skills weren’t enough, many interviewers like to throw a curveball in the form of weird interview questions. These quirky queries can range from the bizarre to the baffling and often leave candidates scratching their heads! But have you ever wondered why recruiters use these offbeat questions, what they hope to learn from them, and how you should tackle them? In this blog, we’ll dive into the world of weird interview questions, exploring their purpose, and providing insights on how to answer them effectively.
The Purpose Behind Weird Interview Questions
Uncovering Creativity
One of the primary reasons recruiters pose unconventional questions is to assess a candidate’s creativity and ability to think on their feet. Traditional interview questions can often yield rehearsed responses, making it challenging to gauge a candidate’s genuine problem-solving skills. Weird questions, on the other hand, force candidates out of their comfort zones, revealing their ability to approach unfamiliar situations with creativity.
Evaluating Adaptability
Weird interview questions can also be used to assess a candidate’s adaptability and flexibility. In today’s rapidly changing job market, adaptability is a highly valued trait and questions that seem unrelated to the job may be used to gauge how well a candidate can adjust to unexpected challenges or shifts in their role.
Testing Communication Skills
Effective communication is a key skill in most job roles. Some weird interview questions are designed to assess a candidate’s communication abilities! Responding to unusual queries, demands clear and concise communication, demonstrating that you can convey complex ideas in a simple and understandable manner.
Unveiling Personality Traits
Recruiters are not only looking for candidates with the right skills and qualifications but also those who fit the company culture. Weird interview questions can reveal a candidate’s personality traits, values, and even their sense of humour. A candidate’s response to these questions can provide insights into whether they would be a good cultural fit for the organisation.
Sample Weird Interview Questions and How to Answer, professionally!
“If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?”
Purpose: this question assesses creativity and personality.
Potential Answer: “If I were a superhero, I’d choose the power of ‘mind-reading’, as this superpower would allow me to better understand the needs and thoughts of my colleagues and clients, making me a more effective team player and problem solver.”
“How many tennis balls can you fit in a school bus?”
Purpose: this question tests analytical and problem-solving skills.
Potential Answer: “I would approach this problem by first calculating the volume of the school bus and then estimating the volume of a tennis ball. Then, I’d divide the bus’s volume by the tennis ball’s volume to arrive at an approximate answer. Of course, it’s crucial to acknowledge that this is a rough estimate, as many factors could affect the actual number.”
“If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you want with you, and why?”
Purpose: this question reveals a candidate’s values and priorities.
Potential Answer: “If I were stranded on a desert island, I’d want a satellite phone to call for help, a water purification system to ensure a safe water supply, and a multi-tool for survival purposes. These items would prioritise my safety, health, and ability to communicate my situation.”
Or you could go for the humorous approach:
Question: “If you could be any fictional character for a day, who would you choose and why?”
Humour Style Response: “I’d have to go with SpongeBob SquarePants! I mean, who wouldn’t want to live in a pineapple under the sea, flip Krabby Patties for a living, and have a pet snail that meows like a cat?’
The Importance of Thought Process
Weird interview questions often reveal more about a candidate’s thought process than the actual answer itself, after all these types of questions don’t require a right or wrong answer! Recruiters are interested in how you approach problems, handle ambiguity, and structure your thinking. Here are some tips on how to showcase your thought process when faced with an unusual question:
1. Pause and Reflect
Before diving into an answer, take a moment to pause and reflect on the question. This demonstrates that you don’t rush into decisions and can think critically.
2. Ask Clarifying Questions
Don’t hesitate to seek clarification if the question is ambiguous or unclear. This shows that you are thorough in your approach and want to fully understand the situation.
3. Structure Your Response
Organise your answer logically, whether it’s a problem-solving question or a question about your strengths and weaknesses, create a structured response that is easy for the interviewer to follow.
4. Be Transparent
If you don’t know the answer, admit it. Honesty is a valuable trait, and it’s better to acknowledge your limitations than to provide a fabricated response.
Embracing the Weird
Weird interview questions can be intimidating, but they also present an opportunity to stand out and showcase your unique qualities. Instead of dreading them, embrace these questions as a chance to demonstrate your creativity, adaptability, and problem-solving skills.
1. Practice Makes Perfect
Consider practicing with a friend or mentor who can throw unexpected questions your way. The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll become with handling weird interview questions.
2. Stay True to Yourself
While it’s essential to tailor your responses to the job and company culture, don’t forget to be authentic. Your personality and values are just as crucial in the hiring process as your skills.
3. Keep a Positive Attitude
Approach weird interview questions with a positive mindset. Instead of seeing them as obstacles, view them as opportunities to showcase your abilities and make a memorable impression.
Weird interview questions may continue to perplex and challenge job seekers, but they serve a vital purpose in the recruitment process. By assessing creativity, adaptability, communication skills, and personality traits, these quirky queries help recruiters identify the best fit for their organisations.
When faced with weird interview questions, remember to focus on your thought process, stay authentic, and embrace the opportunity to showcase your unique qualities. After all, a curveball question might just be the home run you need to land your dream job.
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