Decoding the Mysteries: 12 Weird Interview Questions and What They Reveal

In today’s competitive job market, employers are constantly seeking innovative ways to assess potential candidates and gain deeper insights into their personalities, thought processes, and problem-solving abilities. One approach that has gained traction is the incorporation of weird, unconventional, or seemingly bizarre interview questions. While these questions may appear unusual at first glance, they serve as powerful tools for revealing valuable information about the candidates. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 12 weird interview questions and unravel the hidden meanings and revelations behind them.

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

This question may seem whimsical, but it provides a glimpse into the candidate’s self-perception, values, and thought process. The animal chosen and the reasoning behind it can reveal a lot about the individual’s strengths, weaknesses, and how they perceive themselves in relation to the role or company culture.

For example, if a candidate responds with “I would be a lion because I’m a natural leader, courageous, and protective of my pride,” it could indicate strong leadership qualities and a willingness to take charge. On the other hand, a response like “I would be a beaver because I’m hardworking, detail-oriented, and enjoy building things collaboratively” may suggest a more team-oriented and diligent approach.

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

This creative question, often attributed to Amazon, tests a candidate’s ability to think critically and problem-solve in unconventional ways. The interviewer is not necessarily seeking a specific answer but rather evaluating the candidate’s thought process and creativity.

A thoughtful response might involve using scissors to open boxes more efficiently, cut coupons or promotional materials, or even trim excess toppings from pizzas to ensure a cleaner delivery. The key is to demonstrate an ability to think outside the box and provide a logical rationale for the proposed solution.

3. “If you could have a conversation with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?”

While seemingly casual, this question can reveal a candidate’s values, aspirations, and the qualities or achievements they admire in others. The choice of person and the reasoning behind it can offer insights into the candidate’s motivations, personal heroes, and the traits they strive to emulate.

For instance, selecting a historical figure like Nelson Mandela or Marie Curie could indicate a respect for perseverance, resilience, and breaking barriers. Alternatively, choosing a contemporary thought leader or entrepreneur might suggest an interest in innovation, disruptive thinking, or business acumen.

4. “If you were a garden gnome, what would be your catch phrase?”

This quirky question from Trader Joe’s is designed to assess a candidate’s ability to think creatively and showcase their personality. It allows the interviewer to gauge the candidate’s sense of humor, spontaneity, and cultural fit within the organization.

A witty or humorous response could demonstrate a candidate’s ability to think on their feet and bring a sense of levity to the workplace. However, a more subdued or straightforward answer could also provide insights into the candidate’s approach to professional settings.

5. “If you could be any superhero, who would you be and why?”

This question taps into a candidate’s aspirations, values, and self-perception. The choice of superhero and the accompanying reasoning can reveal a lot about the candidate’s desired traits, strengths, and how they view themselves in relation to the role or company culture.

For example, selecting a superhero like Spider-Man could indicate a desire for responsibility, selflessness, and a commitment to making a positive impact. Alternatively, choosing a character like Iron Man might suggest a preference for innovation, problem-solving, and embracing cutting-edge technology.

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

Similar to the animal question, this peculiar inquiry from Walgreens aims to uncover a candidate’s self-perception and how they view their strengths and weaknesses. The choice of tree and the reasoning behind it can reveal insights into the candidate’s personality, work style, and potential fit within the organization.

For instance, describing oneself as an oak tree could suggest characteristics like strength, resilience, and reliability. On the other hand, choosing a willow tree might indicate flexibility, adaptability, and a more free-flowing approach to work.

7. “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, commonly asked by companies like Yahoo, tests a candidate’s ability to prioritize and think logically under hypothetical circumstances. The items chosen and the reasoning provided can reveal valuable insights into the candidate’s priorities, values, and problem-solving abilities.

A practical response might involve items that aid survival, communication, or entertainment, while a more creative answer could showcase the candidate’s imagination and ability to find joy in challenging situations.

8. “If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?”

This thought-provoking question delves into a candidate’s interests, values, and intellectual curiosity. The book chosen and the reasoning behind it can reveal a lot about the candidate’s worldview, personal growth aspirations, and the qualities they deem most important.

A classic literary work might suggest a appreciation for timeless wisdom and storytelling, while a non-fiction title could indicate a thirst for knowledge, personal development, or a specific area of expertise.

9. “If you were a breed of dog, what breed would you be and why?”

Similar to the animal and tree questions, this query aims to uncover a candidate’s self-perception and how they view their personality traits and work style. The breed chosen and the accompanying reasoning can provide valuable insights into the candidate’s strengths, weaknesses, and potential fit within the organization.

For example, describing oneself as a golden retriever might suggest qualities like loyalty, friendliness, and a team-oriented approach. Alternatively, choosing a breed like a border collie could indicate a high level of intelligence, problem-solving skills, and a desire for constant mental stimulation.

10. “If you could be any kitchen utensil, what would you be and why?”

This quirky question allows the interviewer to assess a candidate’s creativity, sense of humor, and ability to think on their feet. The choice of utensil and the reasoning behind it can reveal insights into the candidate’s personality, problem-solving abilities, and potential cultural fit within the organization.

A humorous or witty response could showcase the candidate’s ability to bring levity and creativity to the workplace, while a more practical or straightforward answer might suggest a more analytical or pragmatic approach.

11. “If you were a crayon, what color would you be and why?”

This colorful question aims to uncover a candidate’s self-perception, personality traits, and potential fit within the organization’s culture. The color chosen and the reasoning provided can reveal valuable insights into the candidate’s strengths, communication style, and how they might complement or clash with the existing team dynamics.

For example, choosing a bold color like red might suggest confidence, assertiveness, and a willingness to take risks. Alternatively, selecting a more subdued color like blue could indicate a calm, analytical, and trustworthy demeanor.

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

This question delves into a candidate’s aspirations, values, and problem-solving approach. The choice of superpower and the accompanying reasoning can reveal insights into the candidate’s desired traits, goals, and how they might approach challenges or opportunities within the role or organization.

For instance, selecting a superpower like invisibility could suggest a desire for stealth, discretion, or the ability to observe without being noticed. On the other hand, choosing a power like super strength might indicate a preference for taking a more direct and assertive approach to tackling obstacles.

By carefully considering the responses to these weird interview questions, employers can gain valuable insights into a candidate’s personality, thought processes, problem-solving abilities, and potential fit within the organization’s culture. While unconventional, these questions can serve as powerful tools for assessing candidates beyond the surface level and making more informed hiring decisions.