15 Fun, Weird, and Unexpected Interview Questions with Sample Answers

Hiring managers often ask traditional interview questions to assess a candidate’s qualifications, experience, and fit for a role. However, they may also throw in some fun, weird, or unexpected questions to evaluate a candidate’s critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and ability to think on their feet. These types of questions can provide valuable insights into a candidate’s personality, creativity, and how they respond to curveballs.

Here are 15 fun, weird, and unexpected interview questions, along with sample answers to help you prepare:

1. “If you were an animal, what would you be and why?”

This question aims to understand your personality traits and how you perceive yourself. A good answer should highlight qualities relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Sample Answer: “If I were an animal, I would be an owl because owls are known for their wisdom, focus, and ability to work effectively at night. As a project manager, I pride myself on being detail-oriented, able to work long hours when needed, and making wise decisions for the team.”

2. “If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?”

This question can reveal your values, problem-solving approach, and how you might tackle challenges in the role.

Sample Answer: “If I could have a superpower, I would choose the ability to stop time. In a fast-paced work environment like this one, being able to pause and gather my thoughts before making critical decisions would be invaluable. It would allow me to approach challenges with a clear mind and make well-informed choices.”

3. “If you were a pizza delivery person, how would you benefit from scissors?”

This mind-bending question tests your creative thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Sample Answer: “As a pizza delivery person, I could use scissors to cut the plastic wrap or packaging around the pizzas, making it easier to carry multiple orders at once. Scissors could also come in handy for cutting promotional materials or coupons to include with the orders, potentially increasing customer satisfaction and repeat business.”

4. “How would you solve problems if you were from Mars?”

This unusual question assesses your ability to think outside the box and adapt to new environments.

Sample Answer: “If I were from Mars, I would approach problem-solving by first understanding the unique challenges and constraints of the Martian environment. I would gather as much information as possible, seek input from local experts (if available), and then develop solutions tailored to the specific circumstances. Maintaining an open mind and being willing to think creatively would be crucial.”

5. “If you had to be shipwrecked on a deserted island, but all your human needs were taken care of, what two items would you want to have with you?”

This question reveals your priorities, creativity, and how you might approach challenging situations.

Sample Answer: “If I were shipwrecked on a deserted island, the two items I would want to have with me are a solar-powered laptop with internet access and a book on survival skills. The laptop would allow me to stay connected with the outside world and potentially call for help, while the survival book would provide valuable knowledge for navigating the island’s environment and resources.”

6. “What’s the color of money?”

This seemingly simple question tests your cultural awareness and global perspective.

Sample Answer: “The color of money varies depending on the country and currency. For example, the U.S. dollar is green, the Euro is blue and yellow, and the Japanese yen is primarily red and gray. As a financial analyst, it’s important to have a global understanding of different currencies and their respective colors and designs.”

7. “If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be and why?”

This creative question allows you to showcase your strengths and how they align with the role.

Sample Answer: “If I were a tree, I would be an oak tree. Oak trees are known for their strength, resilience, and ability to withstand harsh conditions. As a project manager, I pride myself on being a steady and reliable leader who can guide my team through challenging times and ensure projects are completed successfully, even in the face of obstacles.”

8. “How would you solve this problem… on Mars?”

This variation of the “If you were from Mars” question tests your adaptability and creativity in problem-solving.

Sample Answer: “To solve a problem on Mars, I would first research the unique environmental and resource constraints present on the planet. I would then brainstorm potential solutions that take those constraints into account, perhaps looking to innovative technologies or unconventional approaches. Throughout the process, I would remain open-minded and flexible, as the solutions that work on Earth may not be applicable on Mars.”

9. “If you were a pizza delivery person, how would you benefit from rubber bands?”

Similar to the scissors question, this tests your ability to think creatively and find practical solutions.

Sample Answer: “As a pizza delivery person, I could use rubber bands to secure the pizza boxes shut, preventing them from opening during transit and ensuring the customer receives their order in perfect condition. Rubber bands could also be used to bundle together any utensils, condiments, or promotional materials that come with the order, keeping everything organized and easy to manage.”

10. “If you had to choose, would you rather be able to fly or be invisible?”

This question can reveal insights into your personality, leadership style, and how you prefer to approach tasks.

Sample Answer: “If I had to choose, I would prefer the ability to fly. While invisibility might be useful in certain situations, I believe it’s important to be transparent and visible as a leader. Being able to ‘fly’ and gain a bird’s-eye view of projects and challenges would allow me to approach tasks with a broader perspective and make more informed decisions for the team.”

11. “What was the last gift you gave someone?”

This personal question aims to gauge your character, values, and ability to build connections.

Sample Answer: “The last gift I gave was a set of high-quality noise-canceling headphones for my sister, who is a student. I knew she was struggling to find quiet places to study, so I wanted to give her a tool that could help her focus and be productive, no matter her surroundings. Giving thoughtful gifts that make a positive impact is important to me.”

12. “If you could have dinner with any two famous people, dead or alive, who would you choose?”

This question can reveal your role models, values, and the types of people you admire.

Sample Answer: “If I could have dinner with any two famous people, I would choose Marie Curie and Elon Musk. Marie Curie was a pioneering scientist who overcame numerous obstacles to make groundbreaking discoveries in the field of physics and chemistry. Her perseverance and dedication to scientific advancement are truly inspiring. Elon Musk, on the other hand, is a visionary entrepreneur and innovator who is constantly pushing boundaries and disrupting industries. I admire his ability to think big and turn ambitious ideas into reality.”

13. “How many pennies would fit into this room?”

This brain teaser tests your analytical skills and ability to break down complex problems into smaller, more manageable parts.

Sample Answer: “To determine how many pennies would fit into this room, I would first need to measure the room’s dimensions (length, width, and height) to calculate its total volume. Next, I would need to find the volume of a single penny. Then, I could divide the room’s volume by the volume of a penny to get an estimate of how many pennies could fit inside the room. Of course, this estimate would assume the pennies are arranged perfectly and account for any furniture or obstructions in the room.”

14. “If you had a choice between two superpowers, being invisible or flying, which would you choose?”

This question can reveal insights into your personality, leadership style, and how you prefer to approach tasks.

Sample Answer: “If I had to choose between being invisible or flying, I would choose the ability to fly. While invisibility might be useful in certain situations, I believe it’s important to be transparent and visible as a leader. Being able to ‘fly’ and gain a bird’s-eye view of projects and challenges would allow me to approach tasks with a broader perspective and make more informed decisions for the team.”

15. “What’s your favorite joke?”

This lighthearted question allows you to showcase your sense of humor and ability to build rapport.

Sample Answer: “My favorite joke is: ‘Why don’t scientists trust atoms? Because they make up everything!’ I enjoy wordplay and puns, and this joke always makes me chuckle. Having a good sense of humor and being able to find levity in challenging situations is important in any workplace, as it can help reduce stress and foster a positive team dynamic.”

While these fun, weird, and unexpected interview questions may seem unusual, they serve an important purpose in helping hiring managers assess your critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, creativity, and cultural fit. By preparing thoughtful and insightful answers, you can showcase your unique personality and demonstrate why you’re the ideal candidate for the role.