If you were a kitchen utensil, which one would you be and why?
You may think this type of question is never going to crop up in your upcoming job search, right? Wrong.
Welcome to the future of job interviews, where quirky questions are becoming more common and thinking of answers outside the box is a must. Let’s brush up on your interview skills and prepare for the unexpected. Here are some of the most unusual questions you might encounter in your next interview, and how to answer them like a pro.
"If you were a fruit, what kind of fruit would you be?"
This classic oddball question is still used, and it's not going anywhere. The key to answering this question is to think about the qualities of the fruit and how they relate to your personality.
For example, apples are adaptable and can be used in a variety of ways, from snacks to desserts to sauces and this may relate to your varied skillset and ability to handle different tasks and challenges with ease. Lemons are often associated with sourness, bitterness, and negativity, so describing yourself as a lemon might not be the most positive or effective way to present yourself in an interview!
Whatever your answer, be sure to explain how your chosen fruit reflects your personal attributes and strengths and relate that to the job you are interviewing for.
"If you were stranded on a desert island and could only bring three things, what would they be?"
This question may seem like a no-brainer, but it's actually a great way for the interviewer to see how you think under pressure. Don't just give a list of items you'd want to bring – explain why each item is important to you and how it would help you survive.
For example, you might choose a knife for cutting food and making shelter, a trunk of books: fictional books for entertainment, puzzle books for mental stimulation, survival skills books to enhance the chance of escape, and a solar-powered satellite phone for calling for help. It is important to choose answers that showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to challenging situations.
And remember, it’s a “desert” island…
"If you could have any superpower, what would it be?"
Thanks to a new wave of superhero TV shows and movies, such as Deadpool, Guardians of the Galaxy and The Marvels, so it's no surprise that this question is still popular. Your answer should reflect not only your personal interests but also your professional goals.
If you choose telekinesis (moving objects), you might talk about how it could help you increase productivity and efficiency. For instance, you could move files and documents around without having to get up from your desk or manipulate tools and equipment without having to physically touch them. If you choose the ability to teleport, for example, you might explain how it would allow you to travel more efficiently for work-related tasks while saving on time and travel costs, as well as being more environmentally friendly!
"If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose?"
This question is all about imagination and creativity. Choose a character that you admire or relate to and explain why you think they would be a good fit for the job you're applying for. For example, if you choose Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter series, you might talk about her intelligence, problem-solving skills, and dedication to learning – all qualities that would make her a great asset to any team.
You may also want to expand on this by talking about how the character relates to your ethos and values. For example, Hermione's ability to stand up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. She is also a powerful advocate for social justice. You can explain how you share this commitment to equity and inclusion and believe that it is important to use your skills and influence to make the workplace a better environment.
"What would you do if you won the lottery?"
This question may seem unrelated to the job you're applying for, but it's actually a great way for the interviewer to see how you prioritise your goals and values. Don't just talk about what you'd buy – explain how you would use the money to achieve your long-term goals and make a positive impact.
For example, you might say that the first thing you would do is take some time to carefully consider your options and plan out your next steps, this shows the interviewer you don’t go in gung-ho and approach situations with a strategy in place. You might explain that you would choose to invest in your development and education, donate some to a cause that you're passionate about, purchase a home, select some investments for security and book that once-in-a-lifetime holiday to feed your soul – don’t forget you’re a human being and in reality, we would all spoil ourselves a little!
In essence, it's crucial for all questions to reflect on how your responses in an interview reflect your personal and professional identity. Is it possible that your answers may leave a negative impression on the interviewer? For instance, while teleportation may boost productivity, could the employer perceive it as a means to avoid dealing with challenging situations? One effective approach is to test your answers with friends and family before the actual interview, assess their feedback, and make necessary adjustments. Ultimately, being thoroughly prepared at all times is the ultimate solution!
In conclusion, the key to answering quirky interview questions is to be creative, thoughtful, and authentic. Don't be afraid to show your personality and share your unique perspective – after all, that's what will make you stand out from the crowd. Good luck, and may the force be with you!