How to understand the real question behind each interview question.
Photo credit: Jared
This is a guest post by Lynn Tulip.
Bizarre, random, out of the box interview questions may not be politically correct but there’s always some panel member who wants to ask them and they sure need an answer.
Being asked obscure questions along the lines of “You’re a carrot in a salad and a fork is coming towards you. You’re about to be eaten. What do you do?” can actually undermine you. I mean, would you scream? What image does that leave the interviewer with?
So the recruiter/interviewer wants to get to know you better and attempts a gut-feel of how you will fit in culturally and whether you are a likable person.
They think that by asking strange searching questions they will discover how you perform, behave and react in business situations. They are digging deep in the hope that they get a rational, honest and fresh response from you.
However, your answers could be counterproductive.
Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.Free bonus: The One Job Interview Resource You’ll Ever Need is a handy reference to help you prepare for any kind of job interview. Download it free now
What do you say?
Are you candid, open and frank?
Do you inject humor and jokes into your answers?
Don’t sabotage your job opportunity. Be prepared.
Always keep in mind what the job interviewer is looking for. Yes, give personal instinctive answers – with the caveat that you understand some of the reasoning behind the question.
Always keep in mind what the job interviewer is looking forClick To TweetWhat does the interviewer want to hear?
Below are some questions that might be fielded, that could bowl you over alongside some ideas about what the rationale is for asking them:
1. If you won $1M today what would you do with it?
How altruistic are you?
What are your values?
Do you have a work ethic?
2. What am I doing wrong as an interviewer?
Can you give constructive valuable feedback?
Without criticizing say what you would you do differently?
3. Who is your role model? Why?
Talk about their personal characteristics and relate them to your own.
4. How does your boss rate as a manager?
Don’t diss your boss, or give a percentage rating.
Rather, discuss qualities like making decisions, empowering the team, providing leadership and influencing others, etc.
5. Why did you choose to wear your outfit today?
Again, this is looking at your values, confidence and respect, motivation.
Talk about corporate image and projection.
6. How do you stack a dishwasher?
How does anyone stack a dishwasher? Think about managing the task, structure and order.
Perhaps don’t mention that your partner always does it.
7. Who in the public eye would you like to punch?
Ok, so you say you are NOT going to punch anyone, but who and what rattles your cage?
Think carefully about how to respond.
Would it be a political advocate whose policies you disagree with? Or perhaps some punk who dresses and performs in an outrageous way?
Either way, you need to show tolerance, understanding and that you value individuals.
8. If you did not have to work, what would you do?
What’s your motivation?
Would you sit around or travel, do volunteer work or care for others?
9. What would your last meal be?
So now the question’s a bit personal – are you a gourmand or a gourmet?
A health conscious or a fast-food addict?
There’s no right or wrong answer, think about the culture of the organization you might be working with for synergy.
10. If you could be any car/animal, what would you be?
(In the comments below, James thought this sounds like a call center interview question. I thought that was funny)
“I’d be a red Ferrari as I’m fast, dynamic and can beat others.” Not necessarily the right answer unless you’ve applied for a quick fire competitive position. However, if you are a pussy cat and need to be lion, then you might need to reflect on their qualities to suit the role in question.
Interviewers are looking for hints about your motivation, your skill at dealing with people and your ability to respond when challenged – and of course, how it relates to the job you are applying for. They want to know you will be happy in the role and that others will be content to work with you.
READ NEXT: Job Interviews: How You Can Benefit By Asking Questions
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About the Author
This article was part of the Over $5000 in Prizes: The 5th Annual JobMob Guest Blogging Contest, which was made possible thanks in large part to our sponsors:
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Marcus Tandler’s JOBlog is Germany’s oldest blog about job search & careers. |
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Rabbi Issamar Ginzberg is an internationally acclaimed advisor to successful business owners, known for his small business ideas. |
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