Stand Out in Your Interview with These 10 Unexpected Questions
Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, even for the most experienced interviewee. You never know what questions the interviewer will ask, and you want to make sure you make a lasting impression. To help you get ahead of the curve, here are ten unexpected questions you may encounter in an interview and how to answer them.
"If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?"
This question may seem silly, but it’s asked to see how well you can improvise and think on the spot. Don’t take it too seriously, but try to come up with a creative and unique answer that showcases your personality.
"Share with me something you’ve failed at in the past year."
This question is not meant to trick you, but rather to see how you deal with failure. Emphasize the lesson you learned and how you've improved from it. Employers want to know that you can take ownership of mistakes and use them as opportunities to grow.
"What motivates you to get up in the morning?"
This question can reveal a lot about your work ethic and what drives you. Employers want to see that you have a passion for what you do and that you are self-motivated. Make sure your answer emphasizes how you align with their company culture.
"What’s your favorite part of your current job?"
This question is asked to see what interests you about your current work and if it aligns with the job you’re interviewing for. Be honest about what you enjoy and how it relates to the open position.
"How would you survive a zombie apocalypse?"
This question may sound absurd, but it’s used to see how you approach problem-solving and think creatively. There is no right or wrong answer to this, but try to give a response that showcases how you deal with unexpected challenges.
"What are your salary expectations?"
While not entirely unexpected, it’s still a tough question to answer. Do your research on the market rate for your position and carefully craft a response that is fair and reflects your experience and value.
"Can you tell me about a time when you didn't agree with your boss?"
This question is used to see how you handle conflict and communicate with others. Make sure your response highlights how you were able to discuss and resolve the disagreement in a professional and constructive manner.
"What professional or personal accomplishment are you most proud of?"
This question is asked to see what you consider to be your best work and how you’ve demonstrated excellence. Be specific about the project or accomplishment and how it shows your strengths.
"What’s the best book you’ve read recently, and how did it impact you?"
This question shows how you stay current on trends in your industry and how you approach learning and personal development. Choose a book that relates to your field or that you have learned valuable lessons from.
"What do you do when you're not working?"
This question shows how you balance work and life, and if you have a healthy lifestyle. Answer honestly, but try to highlight activities that show you have a good work-life balance and that you manage stress effectively.
Preparing for an interview can be daunting, but with the right mindset and preparation, you can stand out and impress your interviewer. Remember, many of these questions are designed to see how you think on your feet, so be yourself, stay calm, and answer authentically. With the help of these unexpected questions, you can be ready for anything that comes your way and show the hiring manager why you'd be a great fit for the role.