How To Answer Strange Interview Questions

During job interview sessions, some questions posed to you are typical interview questions that are difficult to answer, and then some questions are just a bit strange.

These strange questions are a challenge to answer since they can appear so unexpectedly, and that’s intentional on the interviewer’s part.

This article will give you insight and strategies on how to answer strange interview questions and why interviewers might pose these unexpected and strange questions.

What The Interviewer Wants To Know

What prompts an interviewer to ask a strange question? There are several factors at play.

First, interviewers know that you are probably prepared for the interview and have practiced answering common interview questions on your own and obviously with friends or families.

Interviewers want to see how you handle a spot-on question, that is, questions you do not have a rehearsed answer to.

When asked something strange – say, “Cats or dogs?” or “What’s your favorite karaoke song and why?“—the interviewers tend to catch you off guard, which can provide an opportunity to see how you perform under duress. Your answer will also offer insight into how you process your thought.

These questions are usually designed to have no right or wrong answer. Strange interview questions are designed to be unexpected and not fit into the category of actual interview questions.

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However, they usually fall into several different categories, such as:

• Imagination: These questions present a scenario and then ask you, “What do you think happens next?” or “How would you handle it?” Of course, the scenarios are crazy. Your replies and answers can reveal your likes, personality, and problem-solving skills.
• Logical Statements: These puzzles will reveal your thought process and logic skills. Interviewers may ask, “How many 1 dollar bills are there in the world?” or “How much should you charge for a shovel in Denver?”
• Moral Showcase: These questions will reveal your ethics. For example, an interviewer might ask, “Would you commit a crime if no one could know?” or “What would you do if your manager asked you to lie?” 

While there is usually no “wrong” answer, proceed cautiously as you could easily get caught suggesting something illegal or inappropriate.

• This or That: Some questions ask you to choose between two things (for example, ducks and chickens, chocolate or milk, green or brown). With your answers, the interviewers get an insight into your character, preferences, and thought process.

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How To Answer Strange Interview Questions

You can probably tell when you have been given a strange interview question. When these questions come, you may feel a little irritated, shocked, or surprised.

Focus on answering at that ordinary face value. Maybe a little thinking out loud will help. This means that if someone says, “Pick a favorite color, Green or Yellow,” or “Who’s your favorite Celebrity?”

You will want to do more than say “Yellow” or “Oprah” as an answer. Talk about why you chose that answer, be it a color or a celebrity.

Regarding logical questions, remember that making your logic more reasonable than accurate is more important.

Examples Of Strange Interview Questions

Let us check out some Strange interview questions:

• How many grapes can you fit in your mouth?
• What would you rather have immediately after eating between a Cola and water?
• If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money?
• How many pizzas are ordered each night in the United States?
• What is your favorite color, orange or green?
• Which would you rather have: the ability to be invisible or the ability to unlock every door?
• If you could succeed at robbing a bank without anyone knowing, would you?
• How would you describe opera to someone who is deaf?
• Who is your favorite celebrity?
• Where do you want to go on your next vacation?

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Tips For Answering Strange Interview Questions

If you are asked a question in an interview that seems strange to you, don’t panic. Below is a list of tips for answering those odd interview questions.

Stay Calm

First, take a deep breath if you are asked a question that surprises you. Maintain proper posture and look very confident in yourself. You need to appear confident and calm, even if you don’t feel like it.

Buy Yourself Some Time 

If your brain and thoughts go blank for a second, know that it’s okay to pause a little before answering.

Buying yourself some time can be done by making comments like, “that is a very interesting question; can I think about it for a second?

Ask Questions

Most special interview questions are designed to assess your critical thinking skills. Quite often, there is no “right” answer.

When you explain your reasoning out loud in answering a question, you show your thought process even as you try to arrive at an answer. If you are at all confused about any question, always ask clarifying questions.

Think About Work 

Always remember that interview questions are made to determine whether or not you have the skills required for the job.

When preparing to answer any question, think about responding in a way that demonstrates your skill or quality that qualifies you for the job.

For example, if the interviewer asks what color best describes your personality, you might say, “blue because it’s a calming color, and I’m good at staying calm under pressure.”

Follow Up

If you cannot answer a question by the end of the interview, including the answer to the question in your thank you letter.

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What Not To Say Or Do

Avoid The Answer 

You don’t need a good plan when interviewers ask strange questions, “How would you get to China without money?” but you need some reaction.

“I do not know how to respond to that” is more effective than saying, “I would call all my friends and borrow money to buy a plane ticket.”

Do Not Go Too Far

These questions may appear bizarre, but keep in mind that interviewers use your answers to gauge your character and values.

So be truthful in your answers, but avoid answers that suggest you would engage in unethical or illegal behavior.

Do Not Take It Too Seriously

Give an honest answer and take the question seriously. But do not forget to have a little fun with it too. Remember that the interviewer knows these questions are unexpected, tricky, or difficult to answer.

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Conclusion

We hope this article has given you an insight into how to answer strange interview questions. 

Remember that interviewers want to see unrehearsed answers. By asking strange interview questions, interviewers hope to see your thought process and personality.

Always remember to talk it out. Unlike other interview questions, you won’t have an exact answer ready for these unexpected questions, so do not be afraid to falter in your thought process, even if it means giving an answer that is less eloquent than usual.

Avoid being nervous. Do your best not to seem completely in shock or annoyed by these strange questions. Instead, have as much fun with the questions as possible.