Recruit Smarter: How Unusual Interview Questions Help You Find the Best

Anyone who's ever endured one or more job interviews in their career would have undoubtedly answered a few stock-standard interview questions. 

Something along the lines of: ''where do you see yourself in 5 years?'' or ''what are your strongest attributes?'' are basic examples. 

But what happens when you are thrown a curveball and asked a series of unusual interview questions that make zero sense? 

What is the relevancy behind interviewers in today's modern age asking these weird questions? Find out more in this blog! 

The Sense Behind Unusual Interview Questions 

Nowadays, interview preparation is essential. If you haven't done your research on a company, prepare for interview embarrassment. 

To add to this, many large corporates and smaller enterprises are catching onto the idea of asking random interview questions- but it's not just for fun! 

The likes of Google, Apple, and Facebook are well-known for their weird interview questions, and yes, there is a method behind this madness...

It's Not About the ''Right'' Answer 

Many of these weird interview questions are being asked for a good reason. And while it may seem terrifying in the moment, staying calm is super important!

What most hopeful candidates need to know is that an interviewer is not looking for a textbook correct answer. In fact, many of these odd questions don't have one. 

What they are trying to determine is how quickly a candidate can think on their feet, which demonstrates how they approach a tough situation. 

But most importantly, these strange questions are thought up to test your positivity, proactiveness, and progress in the face of a challenge. 

Along with this, elements of your personality tend to reveal themselves. A candidate's answer also demonstrates their level of quick thinking, creativity, and sense of humor. 

Some may say these questions are a ''trick'' or set up to catch you off-guard. And this isn't all that far from the truth. 

The truth is that interviewers have heard all the standard answers to all the standard questions they ask. The priority behind asking unusual questions is to catch a glimpse of a candidate in a real, unguarded moment. 

There's No Chance of Preparation

In the mind of the interviewer, the more unusual the question, the better. Why? Because there is no chance a candidate can prepare their answer.

The objective of asking off-the-wall interview questions is to observe a candidate's true and honest response. It also allows an interviewer to take note of how they compose their thoughts.   

This is especially important for highly technical job positions or those that require plenty of creative, out-the-box thinking. 

It's important, however, that an interviewer has a rough idea of the answer they're looking for. If not an exact answer, then a logical thought process which fits the bill for that position.  

Examples of Unusual Job Interview Questions 

The first three questions have all been asked by Facebook, Google, and Apple, respectively: 

• 25 racehorses, no stopwatch. 5 tracks. Figure out the top three fastest horses in the fewest number of races
• Why are manhole covers round?
• If you delivered pizza to earn a living, why would need to carry a pair of scissors - in what type of situation would they benefit you? 

If these weren't strange enough here are a few more to blow your mind: 

• If you were a salad, what kind of dressing would you want?
• How do I rate as an interviewer?
• In the news story of your life, what would the headline say?
• How many square feet of pizza are eaten in the U.S. each year?
• Can you instruct someone how to make an origami 'cootie catcher' with just words?
• Why is a tennis ball fuzzy?
• What is your least favorite thing about humanity?
• Are you more of a hunter or a gatherer?

If you're ever caught completely off-guard during an interview remember to remain calm, take a deep breath, and allow yourself time to answer. Granted, your interviewer will understand!  

Recruitment Made Easy  

At Scope Recruiting we offer services in executive, supply chain, manufacturing, logistics, and procurement recruiting. 

Whether you plan on asking standard or unusual interview questions, we offer all the advice you need on finding the perfect candidates for your business.

Contact us today to begin your employee search!