No matter how well prepared you are, even the most experienced candidate can be shaken up by a tough interview question – and it’s not always the one relating to the role that you’ve applied for which throw you. What’s your favourite colour? Who inspire you? If you were an animal, what one would you be? These are all real questions that interviewers like to put to candidates to see how they cope.
Believe it or not, there is some logic behind some of those bizarre questions thrown your way during an interview. So to help you prepare for your next interview, our friends at CV-Library have shared the weirdest questions you could face, and given you inside knowledge on how to handle them:
How would you cure world hunger?
Why are you being asked? The interviewer wants to see how you tackle major projects and for you to demonstrate your skills in strategy and planning
How to answer? Take a deep breath and break it down. Carefully outline what you believe to be the main objective of the task, key issues that should be addressed and suggested ideas that would help to overcome these problems.
How would you interject a fight between Batman and Superman?
Why are you being asked? The interviewer is asking you to demonstrate how you handle conflicts.
How to answer? Try to keep it relevant to the job role – you’re not being asked how you handle a scuffle in the pub on a Friday night. Focus on the positive attributes of both parties and how you could encourage them to work well together.
If you were a colour, what colour would you be and why?
Why are you being asked? The interviewer is asking you to share your top strengths and qualities in a creative way.
How to answer? Think about your skills and how they are relevant to the job role. For example, in a sales interview, try and pick a colour such as red or blue which are strong primary colours then use positive words to describe how this colour sums up your personality such as passionate, energetic, creative, strong or persuasive.
How do you rate me as an interviewer?
Why are you being asked? The interviewer wants to test you and see how you handle people when put on the spot.
How to answer? Don’t make it personal. Try and distance yourself from any emotional responses or feelings and focus on facts. Detail aspects of the interview that have been productive and compliment those aspects.
If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be?
Why are you being asked? The interviewer wants to see how you respond to stress and your response can reveal a great deal about your ability and personality.
How to answer? Try to think about how you can demonstrate any skills you have, your creativity or how you can relate your answer to the role. For example, if you’re applying for a creative role, perhaps connect your answer to an artist that has influenced your style and share your knowledge by explaining why you admire this person.
When it comes to a job interview, all you can do is prepare as best you can and remain professional through any tough questions. If things don’t go well during an interview then use it as a learning experience – it could make your next interview that much better!
