6 Weird Interview Questions You Can Expect to Get during an Interview

Summary: You may get some weird interview questions during your interview, but there are reasons behind those questions.

Interview questions are usually quite normal, focusing on your strengths, weaknesses, work experience, and more. However, hiring managers may drop a question or two that are outside of the norm. While you may think the question is strange, there is a reason the interviewer is asking you the question. When you understand and are prepared for weird questions, you will able to answer them with ease. Here are some examples of questions you may get asked during an interview.

1. If you were an animal, what animal would you be?

This question is really trying to uncover your characteristics. The characteristics of the animal reflect yours so choosing an animal that has characteristics relevant to the job you are applying for.

2. What do you think of Garden Gnomes?

There is just something about Garden Gnomes that makes everyone go crazy. They are a little bit cute and a little bit ridiculous. If an interviewer asks you this question, you can bet the atmosphere of the office is humorous. The interviewer is trying to find out if are humorous as well so they can see if you are a good fit for the company. Don’t try too hard with this question but keep it appropriate and clean.

3. Name 5 uses for a stapler without staples.

The interviewer is determining how well you think outside the box and how creative you can be. There are all kinds of answers for this scenario. Relate your answers to the industry and job that you are applying for to show how creative you are when it comes to what kind of tasks you would be dealing with on a daily basis.

4. How many times in one day do a clock’s hands overlap?

For your own information, the answer is 22 but the most important part of this question is to show you are willing to work through the problem. By not immediately giving up and trying to work through the answer, you are showing the interviewer that you are worth hiring. This is one of those times where you are struggling with finding the answer, you can always tell them you don’t know it but will get back to them once you have it figured out.

5. Why are manhole covers round?

The interviewer doesn’t want to hear your honest answer of “I don’t know.” They want a creative answer that entertains them. Make your answer memorable so that they remember your creativity and ability to think quickly.

6. If we shrunk you to the size of a pencil and put you in a blender, how would you get out?

The interviewer wants to see how you think when put on the spot. The position may require you to do a lot of public speaking or give presentations that would require you to be thinking on your feet constantly. You show this by keeping calm when coming up with a clever response and not letting it appear as if you are flustered.

Do you think these kinds of strange questions are unreasonable? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

To learn more about how to handle interview questions, read these articles:

• 20 Most Common Interview Questions
• Answering Salary Questions during Phone Interviews
• 7 Must-Ask Questions during Your Interview