Earlier this week, Glassdoor released its countdown of the 25 toughest interview questions. Examples include; how do you fit a giraffe in a fridge? Would you rather fight a horse-sized duck or 100 duck sized horses? And, in a fight between a lion and a tiger, who would win & why? But what is the reasoning behind these off-beat questions? And how can candidates best prepare for them?
We have previously blogged on the subject of job interviews getting tougher, and this new list cements the fact that jobseekers should be prepared to be surprised when meeting potential employers for the first time.
Some of these questions may sound crazy, but by piling on the pressure at this stage of the game, employers are able to gauge how potential recruits behave when faced with unexpected circumstances. The ability to be able to challenge, solve or even deflect problems is an essential skill in the workplace – and by throwing interviewees a curve ball, hirers are able to judge how candidates are likely to behave in stressful situations in the future.
By posing imaginative questions, interviewers get the opportunity to see behind the façade and really get an insight into how the candidate’s mind works. The immediate response to a largely rhetorical question speaks volumes about the interviewee’s perspective, understanding and capabilities.
So if you’re asked an odd question during an interview, think it over briefly and reply to the best of your ability – be sure to explain the thinking behind your response. Remember to enjoy the experience and let your personality shine through. There is no right or wrong answer so just go with the flow.
What’s the oddest interview question you’ve come up against? Let us know by commenting below.