10 Surprising Job Interview Questions You’ve Never Heard Before (and How to Answer Them)
Issue 136
Introduction
In a competitive job market, standing out during an interview is crucial. But what happens when the questions are anything but typical? Here are ten unique and unexpected questions that might catch you off guard and how to answer them with confidence.
"If you were a brand, what would your motto be?"Why it's asked: This question assesses your self-awareness and personal branding.How to answer: Reflect on your core values and strengths. For example, "My motto would be 'Innovate, Adapt, and Excel' because I thrive in dynamic environments and am committed to continuous improvement."
"What would you do if you found a penguin in the freezer?"Why it's asked: To test your problem-solving skills and creativity.How to answer: Show your ability to stay calm and think on your feet. "First, I'd ensure the penguin is safe and then contact animal control for help. Meanwhile, I'd try to keep it comfortable."
"How would you explain a smartphone to a time traveler from the 1800s?"Why it's asked: This checks your communication skills and ability to simplify complex concepts.How to answer: Use relatable terms. "A smartphone is a small device that lets you talk to people far away, send written messages instantly, and access a vast amount of information as if you had the world's biggest library in your pocket."
"What song best describes your work ethic?"Why it's asked: To get insight into your personality and work style.How to answer: Choose a song with a message that aligns with your professional attitude. "I’d say ‘Eye of the Tiger’ because it’s about perseverance and facing challenges head-on."
"If you were an animal, which one would you be and why?"Why it's asked: To understand your traits and how you perceive yourself.How to answer: Pick an animal that embodies qualities relevant to the job. "I would be an eagle because they are strategic, have a clear vision, and are determined."
"What would you do if you won the lottery?"Why it's asked: To gauge your long-term goals and financial acumen. How to answer: Balance honesty with practicality. "I would invest wisely, support charitable causes, and continue working because I find fulfillment in my career."
"Describe a time when you had to learn something completely new."Why it's asked: To evaluate your learning agility and adaptability. How to answer: Provide a specific example. "When my company adopted new software, I took the initiative to learn it through online courses and became the go-to person for questions within a month."
"How would you handle working with someone you don’t get along with?"Why it's asked: To assess your interpersonal skills and conflict resolution ability.How to answer: Show your professionalism and focus on solutions. "I’d strive to understand their perspective, find common ground, and maintain a respectful, productive working relationship."
"What's the most interesting thing about you that's not on your resume?"Why it's asked: To get to know you better and see how you fit into the company culture.How to answer: Share something unique that highlights your character. "I once hiked to the base camp of Mount Everest, which taught me about perseverance and pushing beyond limits."
"If you could redesign the food pyramid without any health consequences, what would it look like?"Why it's asked: To test your creativity and ability to think outside the box.How to answer: Be imaginative while showing logical thinking. "I’d include more variety and balance, with a mix of indulgent and nutritious options, ensuring each meal is both enjoyable and healthful."
Conclusion
These questions are designed to reveal your true personality, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Approach them with confidence, authenticity, and a touch of creativity to leave a lasting impression on your interviewers.