Getting an interview is the gateway to getting a job. Fact.<\/p>\n
However, research<\/a> reveals that conventional interviews are not always the best way for candidates to demonstrate what they do well, so from time to time interviewers may choose to ditch the task-focused questions and opt for something more light-hearted.<\/p>\n This gives them a break from concentrating and offers interviewees the opportunity to be creative and show their skills and personality.<\/p>\n Ever wondered what tops the list of the most weird and wonderful interview questions? A recent totaljobs survey of 200 jobseekers reveals all.<\/p>\n Check out the top five bizarre interview questions and how to answer them, according to Dr Angela Carter, Lecturer in Work Psychology at Sheffield University.<\/p>\n Choose a bizarre interview question:<\/p>\n This is a question about problem solving which seeks to understand if a candidate can look outside their everyday experiences. The advantage of a question like this is it is not specific to an industry role and does not require the interviewee to have had any particular work experience.<\/p>\n It encourages candidates to be creative and consider both literally and metaphorically how they might get out of an enclosed space. One approach could be to offer several solutions, considering the risks that may be involved (like being cut by the blades) and the planning involved in the escape.<\/p>\n Questions like this might be asked to candidates seeking a promotional job role<\/a>, and the question is designed to explore an individual\u2019s suitability for these short-term roles.<\/p>\n It can prompt self reflection on what a candidate would be prepared to do (e.g., walk around a shopping area in a full bunny costume handing out leaflets) and what they would not be prepared to do (e.g., wear a revealing playboy bunny outfit).<\/p>\n This is an important and revealing question that prompts individuals to consider boundaries and what they will feel comfortable with; and where the line is drawn between fun and being uncomfortable.<\/p>\n Understanding personal boundaries is a good way for candidates to be able to set limits on what they can be expected to do.<\/p>\n These types of questions are designed to get candidates to reveal aspects of their personality by describing themselves. How colourful, complex and exciting the cocktail is says a lot about the individual describing it, and can reveal if a candidate is outgoing, individual, cautious or impulsive.<\/p>\n One approach could be to try to match the cocktail to what the job role might involve, for example professional but interesting (a rhubarb gin) or more outgoing (an Espresso Martini). It is good to have a couple of these descriptions rehearsed in advance of any interview.<\/p>\n The restaurant question is dressed up to explore what a candidate might order but it also explores a little about their attitude to diversity (unless they are Chinese).<\/p>\n It offers the opportunity for a candidate to demonstrate knowledge about food and what they might order for themselves and other people in a hospitality role, for example.<\/p>\n Another option is to embellish the answer by suggesting drink as well as food, whilst being mindful of the company\u2019s alcohol policy (e.g., in an interview for a health service or police role compared to a holiday representative).<\/p>\n It may be useful to research a few cuisines in advance to avoid responses like \u201coh I don\u2019t like Chinese food\u201d which can show a lack of flexibility towards other cultures.<\/p>\n This sounds like a problem solving question- it is unlikely a candidate would know the answer but a good response demonstrates their ability to find solutions.<\/p>\n The best approach describes how to find out this information; keywords used in the internet search, for example, demonstrates resourcefulness.<\/p>\n Still wondering who it is? It\u2019s the North Korean president Kim Jong Un.<\/p>\n Top tip<\/strong>: To buy time on any question, comment on it, for example, saying: \u201cHey, that\u2019s interesting, give me a moment to consider my answer.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n And finally: If you\u2019re the one going for an interview, remember that this is an opportunity for you to seek information that will match you to a job role or company culture.<\/p>\n Read the full article at Jobs portal TotalJobs, here<\/a><\/p>\n\n
#1 Problem solving<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n
#2 Exploring boundaries<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n
#3 Explaining yourself<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n
#4 Cultural diversity<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n
#5 Finding solutions<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n
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