Unconventional Interview Questions to Reveal Your Candidate's True Colors

As a hiring manager, it's important to ask standard questions like, "What's the biggest obstacle you've overcome?" to gain insight into an applicant's experience. However, incorporating creative interview questions can give you a deeper understanding of a potential candidate.

Imagine asking a candidate, "As a pizza delivery person, how could you use scissors to your advantage?" This unexpected question can lead to an interesting conversation, catching the candidate off guard.

1. "How would you approach problem-solving if you were from Mars?"

This challenging and unique question, asked by Amazon, tests a candidate's ability to think outside the box and handle unconventional scenarios. You want someone who can demonstrate problem-solving skills even in the most bizarre situations.

An ideal response might be, "If I were on Mars, I would thoroughly research the problem before coming up with potential solutions. Every environment presents its own challenges, and it's important to approach them thoughtfully and analytically." This answer showcases the candidate's ability to make informed decisions.

2. "What's your opinion on garden gnomes?"

This seemingly silly question, used by Trader Joe's, serves a purpose. It allows you to get a glimpse of the candidate's personality and assess if they would fit in with the company culture.

There's no right or wrong answer, but if your team has a sarcastic sense of humor, you may want a candidate who responds with something like, "If I could get paid to be a garden gnome, I probably wouldn't need to be here talking to you." Being able to handle unexpected questions shows the candidate's ability to think on their feet and adapt to new situations.

3. "Why are manhole covers round?"

This seemingly absurd question, asked by UBS in their Operations interviews, is a sneaky way to assess a candidate's intellect. An ideal answer would be, "A round manhole cover cannot fall into the round opening, while a square one could fit diagonally and potentially fall through. The circular shape also allows for easy removal without precise rotation." This response demonstrates the candidate's ability to understand the importance of practical solutions and apply problem-solving skills in their work.

4. "You're given an elephant that you can't give away or sell. What would you do with it?"

This question, posed by ConnectWise, tests a candidate's critical thinking skills. There's no right answer, but it gives you a glimpse into the candidate's thought process, priorities, and problem-solving abilities. It also helps to break the ice and allow the candidate to show a more genuine side. An answer like, "Since I don't have anywhere to keep an elephant, I would probably send it on a vacation," showcases the candidate's creativity in unexpected situations.

5. "If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be and why?"

This bizarre question, often used by Walgreens, allows you to assess the candidate's creative thinking skills.

6. "If you were a dessert, what dessert would you be?"

7. "We finish the interview, and you step outside the office to find a $10 million winning lottery ticket. How would you spend the money?"

An ideal candidate would respond with something like, "I would use the money to travel, donate to charity, and take care of my family. However, I would still want to work for your company. I'm passionate about marketing, and I believe this company values creativity and storytelling to help brands spread their message. Winning the lottery wouldn't change my career goals."

8. "What color do you associate with money?"

9. "If you were stranded on a deserted island with all your basic human needs taken care of, what two items would you want to have with you?"

For example, a candidate might say, "I would bring a wifi-enabled laptop with a wind generator to charge the batteries and a lighter. The laptop would allow me to stay connected and potentially find a way off the island, while the lighter would be useful for creating fire and cooking food." This answer demonstrates the candidate's practicality and ability to prioritize and strategize in challenging situations.

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The Value of Unconventional Interview Questions

During job interviews, employers often ask unexpected and unusual questions to assess how candidates handle unpredictable situations. These questions provide valuable insight into a candidate's problem-solving skills and thought process. Let's explore some of the most unique interview questions and what they reveal about a candidate:

• Question 1: "How much would you charge to wash every window in Seattle?"

For client-facing roles, it is crucial to evaluate how a candidate responds when faced with questions they may not know the answer to. This question provides a glimpse into their approach to handling unknowns.

• Question 2: "Design a spice rack for the blind."

This question is an excellent way to assess a candidate's research and analytical skills. A strong answer would involve conducting research and interviewing blind individuals to gain insights before designing the rack.

• Question 3: "How many pennies do you think would fit into this room?"

Through this question, the interviewer is testing the candidate's logical thinking abilities and how they tackle seemingly impossible challenges. A well-thought-out response would involve measuring the room and calculating the volume of pennies that could fit inside it.

• Question 4: "What was the last gift you gave someone?"

This question aims to evoke an emotional response and form a deeper connection with the candidate. A great answer would reveal the candidate's thoughtfulness and their values in gift-giving.

• Question 5: "How many square feet of pizza are consumed in the U.S. each year?"

This question, famously asked by Goldman Sachs, assesses a candidate's logical reasoning skills. While there is no right answer, the ideal response would involve an educated estimate supported by thoughtful calculations.

• Question 6: "If you could compare yourself with any animal, which would it be and why?"

A candidate's response to this question can showcase their creativity, quick-thinking, and strengths. A great answer would highlight the qualities of the chosen animal that the candidate admires and relates to.

• Question 7: "If you could have dinner with any two famous people, dead or alive, who would you choose?"

This question provides insight into the qualities and values a candidate admires in others. A great answer would reveal the candidate's role models and their positive traits, such as dedication and commitment.

• Question 8: "What was your best day at work?"

It's ideal for a candidate to share an answer that highlights their accomplishments, values, and ideal workplace qualities. A great response would involve a proud achievement and the support of a caring team.

Innovative Responses to the "Greatest Weakness" Question

The question, "What is your greatest weakness?" is a common one in interviews. Instead of giving the cliche answer of "perfectionism," here are 12 creative ways to respond:

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