Cristina Tejedor Prieto

1 month ago · 3 min. reading time · ~10 ·

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Are you ready for the unexpected? Discover the Most Curious Questions in Job Interviews

Are you ready for the unexpected? Discover the Most Curious Questions in Job Interviews


Have you ever been asked, "How would you sell this pen?" It's curious how, often, in job interviews, we're confronted with unexpected questions that don't seem related to our role or sector.

However, these unexpected questions can reveal a lot about our creativity, ability to think on our feet, and problem-solving skills.

When it comes to employment, the job interview is considered one of the most vital moments. In this meeting with the interviewer, not only are your professional skills evaluated, but also your behavior and personal attitudes. For this reason, it's important to be well-prepared to answer all questions, whether they are expected or unusual.

From this perspective, it's crucial to stay calm and realize that you are truly in a selection process where you need to demonstrate your abilities. To do this, I suggest bringing specific examples and past experiences that support your answers.

This article will explain some common and rare questions that interviewers ask candidates and invite you to share the strangest question you've ever faced in a job interview.

It's important to highlight that sincerity is the key to the interview, so you should avoid lying or trying to deceive the interviewer. Be authentic and show your true self. Also, take a moment to think before responding. Don't be afraid to take a brief pause to organize your thoughts and give a clear and structured answer. Additionally, modulate your voice when speaking; this will demonstrate confidence and self-assurance.

When faced with surprise questions during an interview, it's crucial to try to decipher the meaning behind the question and then respond appropriately. Don't hesitate to use humor and creativity if appropriate, as these elements can help you stand out and leave a positive impression on the interviewer.

For example, if you're asked which historical figure you'd like to have dinner with, avoid simple answers like "my mother." Instead, demonstrate your knowledge and curiosity about history, literature, art, and explain why you would choose that particular figure. Remember, you may also be asked about what topic you would like to discuss during dinner.

To achieve all of this, it's recommended to practice responses to difficult questions with friends or family. Ask them to ask you work-related questions and simulate an interview situation. This will help you become familiar with the process and feel more prepared when the real interview comes.

How to approach rare questions

  • Maintain composure: Even if the question is surprising, avoid showing discomfort or confusion. Maintain a confident posture and a calm facial expression. 
  • Take a moment to think: Don't feel pressured to respond immediately. Ask for a brief moment to reflect on the question and consider your response options. 
  • Find the meaning behind the question: Try to understand what the interviewer is seeking with that unusual question. Think about the skills or characteristics that they might be evaluating through it. 
  • Be honest and authentic: Although the question is rare, it's still important to be honest in your responses. Don't try to give a "correct" answer or what you think the interviewer wants to hear. Show authenticity and transparency in your answers. 
  • Relate the question to the job: If possible, try to connect the question with relevant skills or experiences for the position you're applying for. This demonstrates your ability to relate abstract situations to the work environment. 
  • Be creative and show your critical thinking: Rare questions may require a creative approach and unconventional thinking. Don't be afraid to be original in your answers and show your ability to solve problems innovatively. 
  • Be respectful and avoid offensive responses: Although the questions may seem strange, maintain professionalism and avoid sarcastic or disrespectful responses. Keep a respectful and polite tone in all your answers.

Why these questions are asked

  1. Assess your reaction capability: Strange questions can test your ability to handle unexpected situations and think quickly on your feet. Recruiters want to see how you perform under pressure and how you react to the unexpected. 
  2. Evaluate your communication skills: Unusual questions can be a way to assess your communication skills and how you express yourself in unfamiliar situations. Recruiters may want to see how you structure your responses, if you're clear and coherent, and if you can adapt to different contexts. 
  3. Evaluate your personality and cultural fit: Strange questions can help recruiters assess your personality, your way of thinking, and your values. These questions can reveal aspects of your character and determine if you fit well with the company culture and the team. 
  4. Highlight authenticity: By asking unusual questions, recruiters may try to take you out of your comfort zone and encourage more authentic and spontaneous responses. They want to see how you behave when faced with something out of the ordinary and if you're able to show yourself as you are.

Prepare for the unexpected and showcase the best of yourself in every interview! Start your journey to career success with beBee today! 🚀

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How to Approach Unusual Questions

Simran Kohli
HR Operations Manager
Entrepreneurship
Comments

Anne Strong

1 month ago #1

Mastering the Art of Unconventional Interview Questions

Interviews can often feel like walking a tightrope, balancing between professional accomplishments and personal insights. The conventional questions like "Where do you see yourself in five years?" or "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" are anticipated, but what about the curveballs? The most memorable moments in interviews often come from the least expected questions, designed not to trip you up, but to uncover the person behind the resume. This blog post delves into the significance of unconventional interview questions and how mastering them can set you apart in your job search journey on platforms like beBee.

Understanding the Purpose Behind Unconventional Questions

Unconventional interview questions, such as "If you were an animal, which one would you be and why?" serve a deeper purpose than merely catching you off guard. These inquiries aim to peel back the layers of your professional persona, revealing your critical thinking, adaptability, and creativity. They provide a glimpse into how you interpret questions with no right or wrong answers, offering insight into your thought process, values, and how you handle ambiguity.

Techniques to Shine with Unconventional Questions

Embrace the Pause: It's okay to take a moment to consider your response. A thoughtful pause indicates that you take the question seriously and are not rushing to give a rehearsed answer.

Reflect on Your Unique Experiences: Use these questions as an opportunity to share anecdotes or experiences that highlight your personality, resilience, and ability to innovate. This personal touch can make your answers memorable.

Connect to Your Professional Attributes: Whenever possible, tie your answers back to qualities that would make you a valuable asset to the team. If asked about being an animal, for example, choose one that embodies characteristics relevant to the role or industry.

Practice Makes Perfect: While you can't predict every offbeat question, practicing with a range of scenarios can help you become more comfortable with thinking on your feet. Engage friends or mentors in mock interviews with a twist, focusing on non-traditional questions.

Why Employers Love These Questions

Assessing Cultural Fit: Beyond skills, employers are looking for individuals who will thrive in their company culture. Your response can indicate whether your personality aligns with the team and organizational values.

Evaluating Problem-Solving Skills: Unconventional questions often require quick thinking and a creative approach, qualities highly valued in any role.

Understanding Your Personality: These questions can reveal aspects of your character, such as whether you're more analytical or intuitive, serious or lighthearted, a leader or a collaborator.

Leveraging Unconventional Questions to Your Advantage

Seeing unconventional questions as an opportunity rather than a challenge can transform your interview into a compelling narrative about who you are, both professionally and personally. These moments allow you to showcase your uniqueness, creativity, and the value you would bring to the team.

Remember, the goal is not to provide the "correct" answer but to respond in a way that is authentic and reflective of your individual perspective. By embracing these questions with confidence and originality, you can make a lasting impression that distinguishes you from other candidates.

Get Ready for Anything !

The job interview is a critical component of your career journey, a journey that platforms like beBee aim to make more accessible and successful. By preparing for the unexpected and embracing the full spectrum of interview questions, you're not just answering queries; you're opening a window into your potential as a future employee. So, the next time you're faced with a question that seems out of left field, take a deep breath, smile, and see it as your moment to shine. Your readiness for the unexpected might just be the key to unlocking new professional horizons.

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