15 unlikely job interview questions
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The physical interview is the final step in the recruitment process. The aim of this appointment is to test your reasoning skills and discover your strengths and weaknesses. As such, you'll be given classic questions about your profile and skills.
But beware, some companies like to surprise candidates by asking original and disconcerting questions. Reassure yourself, there are no right or wrong answers. The purpose of these questions is to assess your reaction to an unexpected situation, analyze your behavior and pinpoint your personality. Nevertheless, to prepare well for your interview, be prepared to answer questions that have nothing to do with the position.
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Here are our top 15 strange questions you might have.
If I give you 10,000 euros, what do you do with it?
You might answer that you'd like to go on a big trip. With this question,the recruiter wants to see your reaction to money. Your answer will depend on the company.
Our advice: Keep your answer logical and relevant to the company you're applying to. If you're applying to an environmental company, don't answer that you want to buy the latest 4x4. |
If you were a vegetable, what would you be, and why?
A tomato because it's a fruit you eat in summer, a season I enjoy. Try to keep it simple, your answer will come more easily.
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Our advice: avoid answering a potato or squash. It really won't show you off. |
How many poker chips are sold each year in France?
Even a poker enthusiast doesn't know the answer. Give an estimate, explaining your reasoning.
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Our advice: don't try to fake it, be frank and spontaneous! FYI, we couldn't find exact figures on the internet... |
Which song best represents you?
If you don't have an idea for a song, propose a musical style. Don't waste too much time looking for the perfect song, show your responsiveness.
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Our advice: Keep it all professional and avoid bawdy songs! |
Would you be able to sing it, right here, right now?
Why not, go for it. But you don't have to get up on the table, while it's nice to show you're comfortable, don't forget you're in an interview.
Our advice: If you can do it, don't overdo it! If you're not comfortable with the idea, you can always refuse to do it. |
If there was a zombie attack, what would you do?
You can propose a simple strategic plan to survive. Try to tailor your answer to the position. Think strategy, recruiters appreciate it.
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Our advice: although it would help you answer this question, avoid showing that you've spent hours watching "The Walking Dead" or "World War Z" series. |
If you joined our company and two weeks later won the lottery, what would you do?
The recruiter tests your relationship to money. You can say you've had two pieces of good news in a short space of time. Speak eventually about your long-term investments.
Our advice: Before leaving the company without notice, make sure your lottery ticket is valid! All kidding aside, winning the lottery and landing a new job are compatible! Why not even invest in this new company... |
What would you do if you inherited your uncle's pizzeria?
This question implies: would you still join our company?
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Our advice: Show your ability to make choices and your motivation for the position. |
If you could be a superhero, who would you be?
Superman, Batman, Catwoman, whatever the character, the company wants to get a better idea of your personality and find out why you chose such and such a character. Justify your choice, you like his powers, you're passionate about comic books or you're a fan of the directors of the Batman films.
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If, on the other hand, science fiction isn't your thing and you've fallen asleep to the latest Marvel, don't invent non-existent characters and focus on the superpower you'd like to have. |
How many tapas cafés are there in Madrid?
It's impossible to know the answer. Give an estimate always explaining your calculation.If you know a good tapas bar in Madrid, you can specify it.
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Our advice: If by chance you've been bar-hopping in Madrid with friends, there's no need to specify... You certainly don't have the exact figure in mind, give an estimate!" |
Cite 5 uses for a staple-less stapler
A collector's item, doorstop, etc., the recruiter wants to analyze your thinking outside the company.Try to be creative, a wacky question can lead to wacky answers.
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Our advice: let your imagination run wild! |
What would you recommend to someone for cooking an omelette?
Have a good frying pan to prevent it from sticking. Making an omelette is easy, but it's important to have the right tools to succeed. Feel free to draw parallels with a particular mission.
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Our advice: You can also go all literary on us by quoting that famous expression "You can't make an omelette without breaking some eggs", meaning that to get something, there are always sacrifices to be made in return. |
We arrive at your home unannounced for dinner, what are you preparing for us?
Think about what you always have in your closet. The recruiter wants totest your reaction to an unexpected situation.
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Our advice: make your favorite dish! (unless it requires 3 to 4 hours cooking time...) |
Let me make a tuna sandwich.
Pretty easy to answer, try to be creative or add your personal touch. I add olive oil instead of mayonnaise.
Our advice: the recruiter wants to see if you're educational so don't forget any important steps! |
What's the best way to check whether the fridge light really goes out after you close it?
Normally, if you don't close the door all the way, the light goes out. If you don't know, you can say you'll test to verify.
Our advice: if you don't know what to answer to this question, follow up the recruiter with another question: what is that little light in the fridge really for? |
Don't forget that these questions are designed to throw you off balance, there are no right or wrong answers, the recruiter simply wants to see your logical, strategic side... Don't panic! If you need any advice or have any questions in the run-up to a job interview, don't hesitate to get in touch with our agencies.
