Interviewing for a job can already be a somewhat stressful process. Your nerves are high, and the interviewer can throw you off with awkward questions you weren’t expecting.
Picture this: you’re in an interview for your dream job, and everything is going smoothly until the hiring manager asks, “If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be and why?” You’re stumped (pun intended).
Weird interview questions like these are designed to test your creativity, critical thinking, and personality. Companies often want to streamline the hiring process and vet candidates quickly and effectively, so they may ask random questions like these to see if you can think well on your feet. While there’s no way to guarantee which questions you’ll be asked in your next job interview, I did find some out-of-the-box interview questions that someone may use, along with why you may be asked these questions, so you can better tailor your answers.
1. If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be and why?
This question may seem odd, but it’s a way to gauge your self-awareness and ability to think on your feet. Consider choosing a tree that reflects your personality or work ethic. For example, an oak tree represents strength and reliability, while a cherry blossom signifies beauty and renewal. Explain your choice by linking the tree’s characteristics to your qualities.
If you’re ever surprised by this question out of the blue, take your time and avoid picking a tree without giving a reason. You also don’t need to be an arborist to come up with an answer. Maybe you don’t know the name of the tree outside of your house, but you like how it changes colors each year.
You could share this as an example and say that you want to grow and improve your skillset in your next position while being able to produce fresh ideas and concepts. The key is demonstrating thoughtful consideration and the ability to relate abstract concepts to your personal attributes.
2. How would you explain the internet to someone from the 1800s?
This brain teaser question tests your ability to simplify complex ideas. Imagine speaking to someone who has never encountered modern technology. You might say something like, “The internet is like a giant library where people all around the world can access information instantly.” Use analogies familiar to people from that era, such as libraries and telegraphs.
The goal is to show that you can communicate effectively with individuals who have different levels of understanding.
3. If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?
This question reveals the aspirations and values of the interviewee. Think about a superpower that aligns with the job you’re applying for. For instance, if you’re applying for a project management role, you might choose super-speed to handle multiple tasks efficiently. Explain how this power would benefit your work and contribute to the team.
Be creative, but ensure your answer reflects qualities that are relevant to the position. Avoid cliches like “I want to save the world” and focus on how your superpower can add value in a work setting.
4. If you could compare yourself to any animal, what would it be?
This question assesses how you view yourself and your abilities. It may or may not be the best time to mention your cat at home or a personal movie reference. If the interview is super casual, this may be okay. But odds are, the interviewer is trying to insert a fun question to test your self-awareness and unique qualities without asking you directly.
Choose an animal that embodies the qualities you possess. For example, a dolphin represents intelligence and teamwork, while an eagle signifies vision and leadership. Always explain your choice by highlighting the animal’s characteristics and how they relate to your strengths and experiences.
5. If you could have dinner with any three people, dead or alive, who would they be?
This is actually one of the more common and traditional interview questions people ask, and it can also be an icebreaker. So it’s a good idea to always have a few responses available. Don’t think too hard about trying to say what someone wants to hear. Who do you admire and look up to, and why? It’s as simple as that.
Choose people who have inspired you or whose experiences relate to your career. For example, you might select a historical figure, a business leader, and a personal mentor. Explain why you chose each person and what you hope to learn from them. The goal is to show depth in your choices and demonstrate how these people have shaped your perspective and maybe even your values.
6. What would you say your weaknesses are?
This classic question requires honesty and self-awareness. Choose a genuine weakness, but frame it in a way that shows your commitment to improvement. You will likely be asked this question during an interview, so be sure to analyze your traits ahead of time.
For example, saying something like this could be relatable: “I sometimes struggle with delegating tasks because I like to ensure things are done perfectly. However, I’ve been working on trusting my team more and focusing on big-picture goals.” The key is to turn a negative into a positive by showing you’re proactive in addressing your weaknesses.
7. How would you sell ice to an Eskimo?
This is one of those silly questions that is helpful to the interviewer to test your persuasion and creativity. The goal here is all about selling a product to someone who seemingly doesn’t need it. If you’re applying for a sales job, your boss will want to know that you have sales and persuasion skills along with the ability to emphasize the key features of certain products and services.
So when it comes to this question, you could say something like: “I’d emphasize the purity and quality of the ice, suggesting uses beyond just keeping things cold, such as sculpting or medical purposes.” You could also mention how your ice comes from a safer or cleaner source than what they may be currently using to further differentiate the product. Focus on identifying unique selling points and addressing potential objections when answering these types of questions.
8. If you were a brand, what would your tagline be?
If you’re applying for a marketing or creative job, this question may not catch you off guard, but it’s definitely a brain teaser. This question assesses your thought process and creativity, as well as your branding and marketing skills. Fill in the blank with a brand that reflects your professional identity.
For example, if you see yourself as innovative, you might choose Apple and say, “Think Different.” Explain how the tagline encapsulates your approach to work and aligns with your values. Be creative, but ensure your answer reinforces your personal brand and the qualities you bring to the job.
9. What’s something you believe that others may disagree with?
Oddball interview questions like this one test your critical and analytical thinking as well as your willingness to stand by your convictions. Choose a belief that is professionally relevant but not overly controversial.
For example, “I believe remote work can be more productive than traditional office settings, given the right tools and mindset.” Explain your reasoning and provide examples to support your belief. The goal is to show you’re thoughtful and can back up your opinions with evidence and reasoning.
If you feel like this could be too much of a technical question or lead you to say something offensive, consider stalling for more time by asking for clarity or asking them to give you an example and take a deep breath. This will give you time to think. If all else fails, just mention something you truly believe and stand by, even if it’s something most people will agree on.
It’s okay to say, “That’s a great question. I honestly never thought of this before, but I’ll do my best to provide an answer right now.” That way, you’re still being a team player and making an effort to participate in the whole interview process.
10. How would you handle being the only person on your team without an umbrella during a rainstorm?
This question examines your problem-solving and resourcefulness. Silly questions like this don’t take too much thought because, ideally, you may ask someone to share their umbrella or find a covered area to wait to avoid the rain. But again, some positions for creative or innovative jobs lead to bizarre questions like these. Just describe how you’d approach the situation creatively and practically.
For example, “I’d look for shelter, collaborate with team members to share umbrellas, or even use available materials to create a makeshift cover.” Highlight your ability to stay calm under pressure and find solutions in challenging situations. The aim is to demonstrate your adaptability and teamwork skills.
11. If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you bring?
This question offers a glimpse into your priorities and ability to solve or deal with complex problems. Choose items that reflect practicality and resourcefulness.
For example, “I’d bring a knife for its versatility and as a tool to build a shelter or make defensive weapons, a water filtration system for clean drinking water, and a satellite phone for communication.” Explain why you chose each item and how it would help your survival. The key is to show your ability to prioritize and think logically in difficult situations.
Tips For Answering Unusual Interview Questions
Yes, many of the questions on this list are mostly unexpected questions, but that’s the point. The interviewer may be trying to catch you off guard with random interview questions to see how you respond on your feet and assess your critical thinking skills and characteristics.
Funny interview questions like these are not just meant to break the ice and add some humor to the hiring process. They’re also aimed at determining your problem-solving ability, reaction to unexpected situations, self-awareness, creativity, and more. So, be sure to summarize these things in your head before going to the interview.
Here are some tips to help you when these questions come up:
- Be honest and authentic in your answers.
- Use the opportunity to showcase your strengths, values, and experiences.
- Choose examples that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.
- Avoid controversial or off-topic responses.
- Connect your answers back to the position and company culture.
- Check sites like Glassdoor to see if anyone shared specific interview questions they were asked for that position so you can prepare.
Be Prepared for Weird Interview Questions
Don’t let the weird interview questions throw off your focus, so you start talking about your personal life, your habits at home, how you got your pets, etc. Each answer should aim to demonstrate your career aspirations and skills you can apply to the job. While you should always be honest, make sure each answer applies to the job you’re trying to get hired by making it relevant.
By preparing thoughtful and relevant answers, you can turn these curveballs into stepping stones toward landing your dream job. Remember, the key is to stay calm, be yourself, and use these questions to highlight the qualities that make you the perfect candidate.
Do you despise going through the interview process? Here is a list of 10 legit remote no-interview jobs!
