Job interviews can be known for being quite tricky at times. It is already uncomfortable enough that you have to sit down with a total stranger and carry a conversation for up to an hour. Most people do not like being in a position where they are not in control of the conversation. When the other party has the control they can ask whenever question they like. So how do you handle those unusual interview questions? It is helpful if you can remember to key a motivation for why the hiring manager is trying to make a hire in first place. Sometimes they may be just trying to see if they can to get you flustered or confused. This is it also called a situational interviewing. With that means is that the interviewer will try to throw different scenarios and situations so that they can see how you react. This gives them a better idea of how you will respond on a daily basis with your team at this new company. The main thing that the hiring managers are looking for is a problem solver. If you can identify in the interview what the most pressing need is for that position and then provide a good answer or a solution to the problem then you will be well underway to receiving an offer.
So the best way to handle those unusual interview questions is to try to find the underlying motive. If the question is extremely off the wall then you may just have to laugh and have fun with it and let you personality shine. Remember, that hiring managers want to hire people they like. They do not want have to hire somebody only to find out that they are a bump on a log that they cannot get along with anyone. This provides more of a headache to the team, the department, and the company. Even if you can do the job well, it doesn’t really matter all that much if you cannot get along with team. So when you’re in a job interview you need to let your personality shine and show them that you would be great to have around. Another useful tip is to go through a mock interview. Basically, you’re looking for someone that you know and trust to fire any type of question they can at you. This will help you to identify the weak areas in your interview technique.