How College Students Answer Obscure Interview Questions

By Lindsay Probasco on May 30, 2014

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There is a vast amount and wide range of “How-To’s” available today, but I particularly find one subject extremely relevant and insightful. When faced with tough interview questions from future employers, it’s possible that one might be disappointed when realizing there was no way of preparing for certain kinds of questions.

I have compiled a list of obscure interview questions asked by leading businesses in an array of industries. This unusual list could be of value to college-aged students, but more importantly to just about anyone looking for or modifying employment facets.

Companies like Google, Apple, LivingSocial and MasterCard have all proposed odd questions to new hires in order to separate quality candidates from the rest of the pack. While having bulky resumes and impressive G.P.A.s is important today, a lot of organizations are looking for creative minds, innovative decision-makers and respectable representatives of their company… exceedingly over applicants who look good simply on a piece of paper.

image source: http://excelle.monster.com

Generally, an interviewer isn’t looking for an exact answer to these questions, but an answer that defines your skills, creativity and potential.

Here are 10 uncommon questions that if knowing the right way to answer them, might give you the one-up on your peers:

1. “If you were a box of cereal, what would you be and why?” (Branding)

When asked to choose between already existing brands, it is important to first understand the company culture of your future employer. If applying to Kellog, I might not want to choose Cheerios as my answer because it comes from General Mills, a leading competitor.

After choosing an answer, what’s most important is defending your answer with original ideas and clearly explaining your reasoning. Being able to successfully represent a brand is what employers want to see in their prospective employees.

2. “If you were a pizza deliveryman, how would you benefit from scissors?” (Innovation)

No matter what kind of open-ended, creative question you get asked, be unique in your answer. Anything out of the ordinary will make them remember you for thinking outside of the box. Everyone can have different solutions to this question but not everyone will think of something prolific.

An answer might be remembered if you say “I would benefit from scissors like anyone else when I need to cut something, but surely not on the job while driving because that would be dangerous.” Or even something like “I would use scissors to remove the receipt from the box in a clean manner as opposed to ripping off a staple to make it more manageable and safer for my customers.”

3. “How lucky are you, and why?” (Work Ethic)

The best possible way to answer a question about luck is to say you work hard for what you have and it didn’t all fall into your lap because of luck. Sure, go ahead and mention how grateful you are for all the support and care in your life or your valued possessions, but keep it balanced. Make sure they know you don’t rely on luck to get things accomplished. Interviewers aren’t looking for a long story, but merely a brief ode to your dedication to hard work.

4. “Pirate or Ninja?” (Ice Breaker)

A lot of the time in interviews, in order to break the ice a little bit, you’ll get a question that makes no sense whatsoever. There is no right answer. Pick one, and defend your rationale. Personally, I’m more of a pirate girl myself and my reasons include a long list of funny pirate terminology and an extensive collection of Johnny Depp DVDs.

5. “A penguin walks through the door right now wearing a sombrero. What does he say and why?” (Story-Telling)

Once in a while you might need to tell your interviewer a story. The point is to take a deep breathe, think for a few seconds, and come up with a solid anecdote about this said penguin. You might take the humorous approach and use your wit to make him or her laugh, or maybe you tell a lighthearted tale about the penguin’s recent travels.

Whatever you choose, make sure you think before you speak and invent something (a story/punch line/proposition) you can call your own. Communication skills are important to possess when sharing great ideas with others.

6. “What do you think about when you are alone in your car?” (Personality Traits and Prioritizing)

When you get asked a more personal question like this one, you want to make sure they take notice of your priorities being in check and your personality being approachable and likable. You probably want to steer away from saying how you think about how awful going to work is or how low your gas tank is.

An acceptable answer would be something like this: “When I am in the car alone, I think about watching the speed limit and being aware of my surroundings. I also think about things I want to accomplish for the rest of the day and usually plan out in my head how I am going to tackle those tasks.”

7. “How would people communicate in a perfect world?” (Visionary)

This question can be focused on communication based on your teamwork experience or your vision for a better future. If you choose to approach it the first way, you could talk about ways of communication that have worked well in the past for you. If you go the other route, you can really shine and express your hopes and dreams for a greater tomorrow.

Most companies, generally speaking, want both those characteristics in a new hire: someone who understands productive communication and someone who has a vision and a set of goals.

8. “My wife and I are going on vacation. Where would you recommend?” (Passion)

Show the interviewers what you love to do, why you like certain places more than others, and what that place means to you. Have passion about something. If you can manifest your passion through other outlets, employers will see the potential to translate that passion into areas of their business, as well. Regardless of what vacation spot you recommend, reveal your stimulated mind and give suggestions for things you like to do there.

9. “On a scale of one to ten, how good of an interviewer am I?” (Integrity)

They will always try to stump you, but you don’t have to let them. Don’t go right for the ten, but you shouldn’t go below a five either. Be honest, but give positive feedback about what you like about them. They might push your buttons and try to see you crack. Don’t let them! Keep responding with positive energy and never give into telling them what you don’t like about them. That kind of conversation is not comfortable in the work environment, so don’t get involved with drama before you even get hired.

10. “Estimate how many windows are in New York.” (Logic)

Be smart and flaunt your skill set when you get asked technical and logical questions. First start by asking the interviewer to clarify what New York they are actually talking about. Then have them clarify whether windows includes all windows or certain types. Finally, use your brain power to make an educated guess.

Speak out loud to the reasoning behind every decision made while trying to figure it out. Questions targeted to your specific skills set will strategically ask broader questions or give you the space to throw a plethora of knowledge into the factoring of your answer.

I hope this helps you categorize different types of questions and how to accurately give them what they want to hear while also remaining true to what you want to say. Interviews can be stressful enough, so take the time to think before you give answers, especially to tricky questions like these.

Search through the Uloop job listings to find your next Part-Time or Full-Time employment or Internship opportunity. Employers are waiting to hear from you!

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