Ever been asked a really strange interview question?
We'll show the psychology behind 9 of the most popular questions, helping you to prepare for the unexpected.
1. Do you prefer cats or dogs?
What they mean to say is: what kind of character are you?
This is a really good question to show an employer that you’re aware of your own personality traits and skills.
For dog lovers: How do you work through a project? Can you reassure your employer that you’re unlikely to leave half way through a job? It might be good to explain how loyal you are.
For cat lovers: What can you bring? Your sharp sense of detail, or ability to work quickly and with a great deal of energy?
There are a few variations of this question – you might get asked, 'if you were any animal, what would you chose to be?’ A good question to prepare for.
2. How many balloons would fit in this room?
What they mean to say is: how good are you at solving problems?
The purpose of the question is to find out how you approach large problems.
It’s important to always be able to present a solution of some sort, and if you’re not sure, an educated guess will go further than no answer.
You can break the question into small chunks, identify assumptions or use your general knowledge.
But most importantly, always share how you went about solving the problem.
3. If you could be any superhero, which one would you be?
What they mean to say is: will you fit in with the team?
The interviewer wants to find out a bit more about your personality as well as your ability to think on your feet, both quickly and creatively.
Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman are all fine answers but remember, the interviewer wants to hear why you’ve chosen these characters.
This question is really testing your creativity and moving away from rehearsed answers.
You have the opportunity to inject some humour into the interview here – feel free to do it.
Similar questions might include: ‘if you were superhero, what power would you want to have?’
4. Before going on holiday, when do you look to pack your case?
What they mean to say is: how organised are you?
If you like to do your packing last minute, why is that? Is it because you organise your belongings generally, meaning that packing doesn’t need to happen until the day before?
Or do you like to make sure that you don’t pack things that you’ll need on a day to day basis? Being able to justify your response is crucial here, as is practicality.
5. How would you react if you were transformed into a fish?
What they mean to say is: can you think on your feet?
Would you want to turn back into a human as soon as possible? Or would you try to adapt to your new situation? Would you seek to make friends or would you prefer to find your own way round?
Your answer will give the interviewer an idea of how you like to work best, whether it’s within a team or alone – you need to be able to think quickly and come up with a response.
Your local Jobcentre may be able to help you prepare for these types of questions.
6. If you were an ice cream, what flavour would you be?
What they mean to say is: what kind of personality do you have?
This question can often throw people but there’s no harm in asking to 'pause for thought', to give you time to think.
Think about key qualities that you’d need to have for the role that you’re going for and apply those to the flavour.
For example, you might be vanilla, as it’s a firm and traditional favourite; it suggests loyalty, which is something needed for a long term role.
Remember – if no one flavour represents you, you can always mix them up and create your own.
7. Name five uses for a stapler without staples
What they mean to say is: can you think creatively or out of the box?
Whether you chose to use the stapler as a hammer, a paper weight, or even some office-based castanets, this question is all about how innovative you can be.
You want to show how you can think out of the box and deal with change effectively.
When things don’t work out, what do you look to do instead?
This question can really give you the opportunity to use your imagination and your answer can be absolutely anything.
Similar questions may include ‘name as many uses for a brick in a minute.’
8. How would you describe making an omelette to someone who has never made one before?
What they really mean to say is: how good are your communication skills?
Try to explain your answer in an interesting, simple and useful way.
Do you break it down into easy numbered steps? Do you just talk them through it? Whatever you choose, it’ll show how you prefer to communicate with people.
Be aware of how this reflects on the job that you’re applying for.
If you’re looking to undertake a role which involves interaction with clients or customers, take a deep breath, speak clearly and show that you’re able to talk confidently.
9. If aliens landed and said you could have any job on their planet, what would you choose?
What they really mean to say is: what are your professional goals?
An interviewer wants to see someone with drive and ambition. Don’t be afraid to be passionate.
While it might not seem too achievable to manage the planet, there’s nothing to stop you from achieving this in the long term.
But how do you plan to do this?
Getting to know the existing aliens and finding out their skills shows that you’re thinking about the long term while also being aware of what is needed in the short term.
Want more information?
For more help and advice on job interview preparation: Jobcentre work coaches are on hand to provide help
Find out about the support you can get moving from benefits to work
Keen to avoid the interview process and thinking of starting your own business? If you’re receiving certain benefits, you may be eligible for help from the New Enterprise Allowance
