Poor hiring choices are disastrous to a well-oiled business, so hiring managers have the delicate job of finding the right strings to pull to get around your practiced demeanor. Unconventional interview questions help employers evaluate how well you react when put on the spot and offer genuine insight into your thought process. Before you write off unusual interview questions as wacky or pointless, ask yourself what information potential employers are trying to uncover.
1. Describe an Occasion When Things Didn’t Turn Out How You Wanted
Startups want to attract enterprising candidates who solve problems and quickly recover from setbacks. Scott Dorsey, CEO of ExactTarget, favors this introspective interview question to determine whether a candidate is a blamer, self-deprecator or self-starter. Dorsey views negative responses as a sign that you may lose focus when challenged or struggle in team environments that require clear communication and accountability. Avoid bashing your former co-workers for holding you back from a promotion, and describe how a seemingly discouraging obstacle provided an opportunity for personal or professional growth.
2. Why Shouldn’t We Hire You?
The hiring manager expects you to explain why you’re the best candidate for the job, but you’re less likely to volunteer the reasons why you’re not a great fit. The answer reveals your level of self-transparency and willingness to be honest even when it may feel like a disadvantage, says Jay Gould, the CEO of advertising company Yashi. Show your integrity by being straightforward about your imperfection, but remain confident about your ability to improve, and avoid belittling yourself.
3. What Are Your Weekend Plans?
The days of sticking to purely occupational questions are over, and innovative companies want to know that you can think on your feet without becoming defensive. Don’t interpret this probing interview question as an attempt to find out if you’re willing to sacrifice your personal time. Whether you’re meeting your hiking group or painting a friend’s apartment, your personal activities help employers understand your character and priorities.
4. Describe a Color to a Blind Person
If you boast about your creativity and communication skills in your cover letter, be prepared to face interview questions that put your inventive mind to work. Describing a color tests your ability to speak expressively and make others see your vision. At the same time, responding to offbeat interview questions with composure shows your positive, easy-going personality, while being ruffled by a playful challenge gives the impression that you don’t have a sense of humor. Use evocative language that relates sight to other sensory experiences rather than relying on static words that make interviewers question your creative thought process.
As companies compete for talent, interviewers are continually expanding their tools for gathering information. While you should always prepare for those traditional interview questions about your goals, strengths and five-year plan, don't be afraid to abandon your script and give recruiters a glimpse of your passion and spontaneity.
Photo courtesy of Chaiwat at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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