Dealing With Unusual Job Interview Questions
How Job Seekers Can Prepare to Answer with the Best Responses
May 29, 2009
Most job seekers know by now that regardless of their years of experience, practicing before participating in job interviews is a clear-cut way of ensuring that they handle themselves well.
However, what happens when an employer doesn’t ask just the standard interview questions? What can job seekers do when they are thrown a zinger? It’s all about preparing for the kind of question that, at least for a moment, can stump them.
Job Interviews are About Gathering Information
First and foremost, job seekers need to keep in mind that job interviews are intended to be an information gathering tool; not just for the employer, but for the potential employee, too. The purpose is to determine if the candidate has not only the necessary skills and experience to perform a job, but possesses the same value system that will fit with the company culture.
At the same time it is important that job seekers avail themselves of the opportunity to gather additional information about the company and the job opening in order to determine if they can envision themselves in this role and this particular organization.
Sometimes, in an effort to gain a better understanding of a candidate’s reasoning, creativity, or other personal characteristics, employers will ask questions outside the list of what is considered normal. Some of these questions as outlined in a survey conducted by OfficeTeam, a national temporary service company, have included:
- What would I find in your refrigerator?
- If you could be any animal, what would you be?
- If you were having a dinner party and could invite three famous people, who would they be?
- What’s the last book you read?
While candidates cannot predict exactly what whacky question an employer might ask them, there are definite steps they can take to prepare themselves.
Prepare for Unusual Interview Questions
Whether or not an employer asks an interview question that is out of the ordinary, job seekers should always prepare in advance of any job interview. This doesn’t just mean practicing techniques with a close friend or family member.
One of the most important pre-interview steps candidates can take is to be thoroughly educated on their own background, experience and skill sets. Though this might seem obvious, too often candidates enter into the interview process not fully aware of all that they have accomplished in their career. Instead they leave it to chance and memory in the mistaken belief that under pressure they will be able to recall important bits of information. Instead job seekers should take the time to honestly study their own job history and make mental note – or better yet, handwritten notes -– of projects, accomplishments and achievements.
During the interview process it is important to handle distractions or unusual questions with dignity and calm. Now is not the time to freak out or break into a cold sweat. Job seekers should take the time they need to keep it together by asking clarifying questions or by asking for a moment to think about an appropriate answer. Keep in mind that there really are no right or wrong answers to interview questions; just good and better answers.
And contrary to popular belief, responding to interview questions is not about providing rapid-fire responses. Instead it is about providing insight and knowledge in order to come to an understanding as to whether there is a good fit with the job and the company.
Yes, dealing with unusual interview questions can be unnerving; however, by taking time – and a deep breath – job seekers can prepare themselves to provide the best answers.
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