How to Handle Unexpected or Strange Interview Questions
Job interviews can feel nerve-wracking, especially when recruiters throw in unexpected or strange questions. You might be prepared for the usual “Tell me about yourself” or “What are your strengths?”, but what happens when you’re asked something unusual like:
- “If you were an animal, which one would you be?”
- “How many basketballs can fit in this room?”
- “If you won the lottery today, would you still work?”
These types of unconventional interview questions aren’t meant to confuse you. Instead, they test your creativity, critical thinking, and personality under pressure. Recruiters want to see how you respond when caught off guard.
So, how do you handle them without panicking? Let’s break it down.
Why Employers Ask Strange Interview Questions
Before learning how to answer, it’s important to know why interviewers ask them. Here are a few reasons:
- To test problem-solving skills – They want to see how you think through challenges.
- To check your personality fit – Your answer might reveal if you’re creative, humorous, or logical.
- To evaluate stress management – Strange questions push you out of your comfort zone, just like real workplace situations.
- To differentiate candidates – When everyone gives the same textbook answers, these questions reveal uniqueness.
Tips for Handling Unexpected Interview Questions
Here’s how to respond confidently when faced with unusual questions:
1. Pause Before Answering
Don’t rush. Take a deep breath, smile, and give yourself a few seconds to think. Employers value composure as much as the answer.
2. Understand the Intention
Ask yourself: What are they really testing? For example, if they ask, “If you were a superhero, what power would you have?”, they may want to know your values and problem-solving style.
3. Structure Your Response
Even if the question is unusual, try to give a structured answer:
Start with a short statement.
Add reasoning.
Connect it back to the job.
Example:
Q: “If you could be any animal, which one would you be?”
A: “I’d be an eagle, because I value vision and focus. I like to see the big picture before making decisions, which helps me in planning and problem-solving at work.”
4. Show Creativity, But Stay Professional
It’s okay to be witty, but don’t go off-track. Use the question to highlight your strengths in a unique way.
5. Stay Positive
Even if the question seems ridiculous, don’t frown or complain. Staying positive shows adaptability — a key trait employers want.
Examples of Strange Questions & How to Answer Them
Here are a few common examples with sample answers:
Q: “How would you describe this room to someone who is blind?”
A: “I’d use descriptive words that focus on touch, sound, and feeling, rather than sight. This shows my ability to adapt communication to different needs, just as I would with clients or teammates.”
Q: “If you had to sell ice to an Eskimo, how would you do it?”
A: “I’d focus on the value, not the product. For example, I could offer it as purified or packaged for convenience. This reflects how I adapt my sales approach to customer needs.”
Q: “What would you do if you were the last person on Earth?”
A: “I’d look for ways to rebuild, because I believe in solutions and resilience — the same way I approach challenges at work.”
In conclusion
Facing unexpected or strange interview questions doesn’t have to throw you off balance. Remember:
Pause and think before answering.
Look for the intention behind the question.
Use creativity, but link your answer back to the job.
Stay calm, confident, and positive.
The truth is, interviewers don’t always care about the “right” answer. They care about how you think, react, and communicate under pressure. If you can handle unusual questions gracefully, you’ll stand out as a strong candidate.