Dealing with Very Strange Interview Questions

A strange interview question can catch you off guard and force you to come up with an answer right on the spot — which may be exactly what the employer is hoping for. A curveball gives the employer the opportunity to observe your reaction to stress and gauge your ability to communicate in a difficult situation. With a few simple strategies, you can stay calm and collected when a job interview takes an unexpected twist.

Practice

Before the interview, search the Internet for real-world examples of weird interview questions. Don't read them; instead, give the list to a friend for a mock interview. Ask the friend to insert one strange interview question for every three or four common questions. Practice organizing your thoughts and answering the questions aloud. Try to eliminate filler words and unnecessary chatter. This process helps remove the element of surprise and teaches you how to respond under pressure.

Slow Down

If you tend to babble when you're nervous, a strange interview question can set you off on a long, rambling answer. To avoid confusing the interviewers, take a moment to stop and process the question. Repeat the question aloud, if necessary, and allow a few moments of silence to formulate an answer. For complex questions, work out the answer aloud to give the employer an insight into your thought process. By taking your time, you can avoid answers that come off as flippant or thoughtless.

Consider Your Approach

When answering a strange interview question, consider how you want to present yourself, and choose a response that fits that image. The tone and approach should fit the job and the company. If you're applying for a high-stakes corporate position, a sarcastic or funny answer might undermine your image as an authoritative professional. A job interview for a creative position, on the other hand, offers more leeway. Before you answer, read the mood of the room and adjust your delivery accordingly.

Don't Overthink It

In some cases, a strange interview question may not have anything to do with the job at hand. The interviewers may be interested in finding out how you think on your feet, or they may want to see your creative process. Either way, it's useless to waste time worrying about what the employer wants to hear. Offer up the answer that feels right, and present it with confidence. Then, let it go and move on to the next question.

The way you answer a strange interview question can give an employer clues about your personality, communication style and problem-solving abilities. By preparing in advance and keeping a cool head in the moment, you can give an answer that confirms your status as a confident, thoughtful professional.

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