Decoding bizarre questions from top company interviews

In today's competitive job market, top companies are always looking for unique ways to hire top talent for their teams. One strategy that some companies use to distinguish between candidates is asking unexpected and bizarre interview questions.

These questions can catch candidates off guard and reveal aspects of their personality and problem-solving skills that traditional questions may not reveal. In this article, we will explore the top 10 bizarre interview questions asked by top companies and the reasons behind using them in their hiring process.

10 bizarre interview questions

"If you were a fruit, what fruit would you be and why?"

This question, frequently posed by companies such as Google, is designed to assess a candidate's creativity and ability to think quickly. There's no right or wrong answer, but the candidate's explanation can offer insight into their personality and their approach to unexpected situations.

"How many basketballs can you fit in this room?"

Companies have been known to ask this question to test a candidate's critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The key here is not to come up with an exact number but to walk the interviewer through your thought process and reasoning.

"If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?"

To understand the candidate's interests, values, and aspirations, firms often may ask which notable historical figure would they like to have dinner with. This question also provides insight into how well a candidate can articulate their thoughts and communicate effectively.

"How would you explain a database in three sentences to your eight-year-old nephew?"

As Professor Richard Feynman once said, "If you cannot explain something in simple terms, you don't understand it". The main idea behind this is that a person who can meticulously explain concepts knows it very well.

This is why this question is a favourite of the banking firm, Goldman Sachs. It aims to assess a candidate's ability to simplify complex information and communicate effectively. It is especially important in roles that require cross-functional collaboration or client-facing responsibilities.

"If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you bring with you?"

This classic question tests a candidate's ability to prioritise and think strategically. The items chosen can offer clues about the candidate's problem-solving skills and resourcefulness.

"If you could be any animal in the world, what animal would you be and why?”

To quickly understand how well the candidate can fit into the company's culture and organisation, Zappos came up with this question. This can reveal a candidate's self-awareness and personality traits. It also allows the candidate to showcase their creativity and sense of humour.

"If you could choose any superhero power, what would it be and how would you use it in the workplace?"

This question evaluates a candidate's goals and how they see themselves making a meaningful contribution to a team or organisation. It can also uncover their principles and priorities in a professional setting.

"If you were a pizza delivery person, how would you benefit from scissors?"

Apple has been known to use a rather unconventional interview question as a way to gauge a candidate's ability to think creatively and out of the box. This particular question is designed to test the candidate's inclination toward embracing unconventional ideas and approaches, as well as their capacity for coming up with innovative solutions.

"What would you do if you found a penguin in the freezer?"

This offbeat question, asked by Trader Joe's, evaluates a candidate's ability to remain calm under pressure and think quickly in unexpected situations. It also tests their problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to new and unusual circumstances.

"25 racehorses, no stopwatch. 5 tracks. Figure out the top three fastest horses in the fewest number of races."

Meta (Formerly Facebook) asked this thought-provoking mathematical query to assess the intellectual skills of potential candidates. The question is designed to gauge the candidate's capacity for analytical thinking and problem-solving. It serves as a challenging test to evaluate the skills and aptitude of the interviewee.

Closing Thoughts

Bizarre interview questions are not just a gimmick but a strategic tool used by top companies to hire top talent. By asking unexpected questions, employers can gain insights into a candidate's personality, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit. So, the next time you find yourself in a job interview facing a quirky question, remember that it's not about getting the "right" answer but about showcasing your creativity, adaptability, and ability to think on your feet.