After you managed to come through the CV selection of a company you’d like to work for it is time for the interview. You are getting overloaded with a bunch of questions that you can prepare for in advance as most questions are not that original. However, the answers candidates give to these questions aren’t that original either. But what do they expect you to answer when they ask you: ‘’Why do you want to work for Company X?’’. Actually they just expect you to spend a few minutes complimenting Company X and only saying positive things about them. What would you do as a candidate? They will also ask you about your weaknesses. Well, you can answer this question in two ways: you can take the honest, humble route and actually tell them about your weakness, or you can just tell them about how your greatest weakness is actually a strength. Of course this is a bit excessive and obviously recruiters will get an image of you anyways when you answer these ‘’easily prepared beforehand’’ questions, but some original questions might be useful as well.
Recently, more and more companies are confronting their candidates with the most mysterious interview questions. How many ping-pong balls fit in a Boeing 747? How many kilometres of highway are there in Holland? How many litres of paint do you need to cover a full airliner? Of course you are not expected to give an immediate and correct answer to these questions. The goal of the recruiter is to test you and see how you would respond to these kinds of questions and what line of reasoning you use.
Most important is to take your time when answering such a strange and random interview question and not act like you are in shock. Think about what the company does and what the question aims to achieve. If there is an opportunity to show off your technical ability, mathematical skill, or any other specialist knowledge in answering the question you are expected to use it. Try to think creatively about how you could approach the problem and don’t be afraid of silence when you have to think about the answer. For most of these bizarre interview questions, there may be more possible answers and there is no right or wrong answer.
So of course, be prepared beforehand for an interview, as you will get the common interview questions anyways. When being confronted with a bizarre interview question, try not to panic, but apply reasonable rationale and try to come across as calm and confident. Think out load and take the recruiter with you through your logical line of reasoning. Also, your willingness to answer such a weird question seriously shows your eagerness to get the job, which will be looked upon favourably by the employer. In the end that is more important than whatever answer you will eventually arrive at.
