Job Interviews – Interview Questions You Need To Know About

For many people, attending a job interview can be a nerve-racking experience. You want the job and you hope to make a positive impression. You can do as much preparation as you like, but one thing that’s very difficult to prepare for are the questions thrown at you during a job interview.

Some interview questions are mandatory and will be obvious and very easy to answer. Questions like: “Why do you want to work for us?”. That type of thing. However, employers these days are becoming more renowned for asking unusual questions that the interviewee didn’t see coming and hasn’t prepared an answer to. Questions that are left of center and you have no idea of the real reason they are asking them.

Reasons Why Some Employers Ask Unusual Questions

One reason could be to see how quickly you can think on your feet, as your job role may require this skill. At times it could also be to determine how compatible you’ll be with the other employees. Employers also want to try and work out your personal characteristics by asking off the cuff questions. They want to know more about your behaviour and how you react to something unexpected.

At the end of the day, the person conducting the interview doesn’t know you and only has a resume to go on. The best way they can learn more about you in a short space of time is to ask questions that may or may not be related to the job role you’re applying for.

How To Deal With Unusual and Unexpected Interview Questions

To begin with, go into the interview expecting the unexpected when it comes to the questions you’ll be asked. Prepare your answers for the obvious questions and have some questions in mind that you want to ask yourself, but also be ready for those unusual questions.

If and when you are asked something out of the ordinary, take your time before replying. Inhale a deep breath and remain calm. Consider why they might be asking the question before responding. Don’t be afraid to actually verbalise your reasoning as you’re trying to come up with a definitive answer to the question. Keep in mind that the employer might be wanting to see how well you can think and problem solve in the process.

Interview Questions You Need To Know About

So, what type of unexpected questions could you be asked during an interview?

One of the most difficult and confronting types of question you could be asked will be something like the following:

“How would you rate me as an interviewer?”

Any question that asks for your opinion on the person conducting the interview is going to be tough to answer. You won’t want to be overly positive or negative in your response.

Another question you could find yourself faced with is:

“If I asked your best friend what your worst character trait is, what would they say to me? What would it be?”

Of course, the way the questions are worded and delivered will vary, but essentially, a question like the one directly above is to determine how honest you are about yourself and how well you know yourself.

Another fairly common, yet unusual question is this one:

“If you were a brand, what would it be and why?”

The interviewer is usually looking for some insight into what you like and why. It’s a way of discovering what some of your values are. Whatever answer you give, it’s never going to be a wrong answer.

You could also be asked very direct questions about yourself, such as this short, but confronting one:

“How honest are you?”

Tough to answer on the spot in many cases, but you’ll need to sound genuine when you do respond.

There could also be questions like this one thrown into the mix:

“If I were to give you $50,000 to start a business, what business would you start and why?”

The interviewer is likely trying to determine how business-minded you are, how well you can manage money, and whether you’re a leader or a follower.

In Conclusion

When faced with odd interview questions, usually there are no right or wrong answers. They are simply designed to get to know what makes you tick and whether you would fit in.