We’ve all encountered some strange interview questions. Interviewers are always looking for ways to avoid hearing canned answers from candidates. Sometimes though, these questions can be particularly tricky to answer. Here are 8 odd interview questions and how to best respond to them.
1. Sell Me This Pen.
This question is usually used for sales roles. The interviewer is looking for you to demonstrate your sales prowess and creativity. While there are many sales approaches that can be used to answer this question like the value-added approach, the problem-creation approach, or the solutions-based approach, it’s best to think about an answer that will be memorable.
2. What Animal Symbolizes Who You Are?
Interviewers use this question to get to know you better and break the ice. It doesn’t matter what animal you choose. But, it shouldn’t be an animal that you just like either. Instead, make sure the animal you choose has the qualities necessary for the job you are interviewing for. It might be best to stay away from animals like snakes, insects, or rodents that can have a negative connotation.
3. How Would Your Co-Workers Describe You?
Interviewers ask this question to get a better sense of your personality. They also are looking for self-awareness. Make sure that your answer is detailed and highlights your strengths. A strong answer to this question will demonstrate interpersonal skills.
4. What’s The Color of Money?
This is a bit of a trick question. An interviewer may ask this question to see your ability to think critically. The question doesn’t specify money from what country. The answer to this question depends on your perspective and worldview. A thoughtful answer to this question will highlight your ability to think broadly.
5. If You Could Only Read One Book for The Rest of Your Life, What Would It Be?
This question at face value asks if you are well-read. But really it’s how you explain your favorite book that matters. Make sure you choose a book with a theme that relates back to values that are important to you and the company you are interviewing for. The interviewer will quickly see how you think on your feet and make decisions.
6. What Was Your Best Day at Work?
This question is a great opportunity to talk about your accomplishments. The best day at work could include when you won an award or received recognition for a project. Interviewers also want to see the enthusiasm you have for your work. Showing that you enjoy what you do will help you ace this interview question.
7. How Would You Describe The Color Blue to a Blind Person?
This question is very odd but sometimes comes up in an interview. The interviewer wants to see how creative you are. There are no wrong answers, but don’t get stumped by this question. You can use other senses to describe the color like hearing the sound of the waves or feeling something very cold.
8. If You Could Choose Between The Superpowers of Flying or Invisibility, Which Would You Choose?
This random interview question seems harmless but does have meaning behind it. The interviewer is probably looking to see if you like to be more in the forefront or background. According to data collected by Forbes, leaders more often choose the ability to fly and individual contributors choose invisibility. Think about what describes you better before answering this question.
Nailing Odd Interview Questions
Don’t get tripped up by these strange interview questions during a job interview. If you do encounter an odd question, make sure to think about what the interviewer is trying to glean from the question. Then, you can tailor your response to put yourself in the best light.