Beware of the Random Interview Question

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Planning for the unexpected interview question.


Lately, I have been reading articles geared toward Human Resource Managers that discuss new ways to recruit the best people for open jobs. Although the advice isn't very helpful for those who are looking for new jobs, it helps to understand what the other side is looking for. One of the new trends that I keep seeing over and over is the recommendation to ask new, unexpected interview questions.


Because I have seen this so frequently lately, it's a good bet that you might run into one of these types of questions during your next interviews. Basically, the idea is that an interviewer can get a better idea of who the candidate is by mixing in some random questions in the middle of the more traditional questions. Some of these unexpected questions can be pretty harsh, for example, some of the suggestions are "What is your favorite movie of all time?" or even worse, "Why have you always let other people tell you what to do?"


The point of these questions is to catch you off guard and make you uncomfortable. The thought is that in the moment, you'll say the first thing that pops into your mind, giving the interviewer the chance to see who you really are. In the case of questions that are borderline offensive, like the "Why have you always let other people tell you what do?" one, the goal is to see how you react to the questions. Do you become defensive? Angry? Stammer and talk in circles?


I think that this interview technique is unfair and allows the interviewer to discriminate against people on the basis of their own tastes, which isn't illegal, but it doesn't ensure that the people hired will be the best employees. Instead, it only ensured that they will be more like the interviewer. What my favorite movie is shouldn't matter to my new boss. So what if I like kung-fu or old classics like "The Wizard of Oz"? If I said that I am a big Bruce Lee fan, an interviewer might assume that I have an interest in Martial Arts and enjoy fighting. Of course, those assumptions would be completely wrong. I enjoy Bruce Lee movies because of his desire to be the very best. In spite of the fact that most of his movies were low budget films, he shines in them. He never needed Hollywood style tricks to make him the star. When he fights, I can't take my eyes off of him because he just stands out simply because of his amazing talent. I don't like to watch fighting in general, but in a Bruce Lee movie, the fighting is more like an incredible ballet. He brought so much emotion into each movie fight and you can see the feeling and meaning in every movement. But that's just me and my opinion. It shouldn't have anything to do with my ability to do a job.


Before your next interview, be prepared for these types of questions. The random ones about your favorite movie or the last book you read are much easier than the ones that are designed to provoke you into getting upset. For the random one, just be careful not to say a controversial movie or book name. For example, even if you love the Twighlight series more than life itself, you might not want to say so in your interview. Not that there is anything wrong with liking what you like, it's just that you may be judged negatively based on the interviewer's prejudice.


With the questions designed to provoke you, all you can do is take a deep breath and show the interviewer that you are confident, level-headed and are able to roll with the punches and deal with a crisis or an unexpected event without losing your cool. If, during your interview you are asked one of these question and it makes you feel upset or offended, don't lose your temper or storm out. Just knowing that it is a test will help tremendously.


Personally, I hope that this trend dies a quick death. In all of my work experience, I have ended up working with people who are very different from me and it has always been a good thing. Having a diverse group of employees is the key to real creativity and innovation. If everyone just agrees or has similar tastes, there won't be anyone to present a different view point or challenge ideas, which would stifle brainstorming sessions and limit any real change.


What do you think about these unexpected questions? Have you ever been asked one of them? Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.


By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer for LogisticsJobsiteBlog and Nexxt, along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.