Surprising questions youll get asked at interviews - Margaret Buj - Interview Coach

Surprising questions youll get asked at interviews During a job interview, you may be asked typical questions, tough questions, and even fun and weird questions which are beyond your expectations. Tough and common questions vary between industries and organizations, but there are several questions that the interviewer asks to test the candidates reasoning capacity.  Expocart  can help you look for job opportunities and also help in the interview preparation. Why do employers ask fun, weird and unexpected questions? Employers may ask surprising questions for various reasons. Some of the reasons may include; learning about your thought process, testing your reasoning skills, testing your level of creativity, gauging your experience and learning more about the candidate. During a job interview, you may be asked some questions which can result in a panic and loss of confidence. It is essential to know that, when employers are asking such questions, they arent looking for specific or correct answers, but how you handle yourself in unexpected situations.  Example of these questions includes the following; 1. If you were a tree, what type of tree would you be? This question is a bit weird. No one would expect such a question in an interview. In this, the employer is not looking for the correct or a specific answer, but testing your thinking process. The employer wants to know whether you can think fast and offer some facts in your response. 2. Why are manholes round? This looks like another funny question, but it is a good question used to test the candidates intellect. An exemplary candidate will think fast and support the answer with some facts like this one, A square cover can fit perfectly and cover all corners of the utility hole, a round utility hole cover cant fall through the round utility hole opening. Also, a circular cover fits easily and can be removed without much struggle. The candidates answer shows that he/she has excellent problem-solving skills, which is essential in any field. 3. Youve been given an elephant. You cant give it away or sell it. What would you do with the elephant? This is quite a funny question which doesnt have a specific or right answer. When an employer asks such a question, he wants to test how far the candidate can loosen up, his/her reasoning skills, how the candidate thinks and finally the candidates problem-solving skills. An ideal candidate will think the question through and answer, this shows his/her authentic side. 4. After finishing the interview, you step out and find a lottery ticket. You end up winning 10 million dollars. What would you do? This kind of question can trigger the candidates adrenaline, which will, in turn, portray his/her real motivation in the job. When handling interview questions, you shouldnt demonstrate money as the only reason why you need the job. No employer would want to hire someone who only wants the position to make money. 5. Whats the colour of money? This is a  tough question  because the employer hasnt specified the country of interest. If you are a financial candidate, expect such problems which are related to money during interviews. When asked such a question, its important to note that the employer wants to gauge your experience in the world at large and whether you have a balanced view of the economy. 6. If youre shipwrecked on a deserted island, but all your human needs such as food and water were taken care of, what two items would you want to have with you? This might sound like a trick question, but it is mainly asked by employers who want the test candidates level of creativity and innovation. Additionally, it helps the employer determines the candidates priorities. Every employer wants a candidate who can place his/her priorities right, and who can think logically during tough times. 7. Are you a hunter or a gatherer? If you are hiring an engineer, an accountant, a doctor or any other candidate who isnt an anthropologist, this question might sound quite funny and weird. However, when an employer poses such a problem, he/she wants to gain critical insights into a candidates strengths and weaknesses. Hunters and gatherers are different people, and therefore, the employer will use your answer to understand the kind of person you are. Conclusion Interviews can be very nerve-racking and intimidating, but all you have to do is be prepared and confident. Some questions may be tough, but if you are prepared, you will answer all questions smoothly, and the job opportunity will not pass you by.