Some companies, such as Google, are famous for asking weird, off-the-wall interview questions. Are they innovative or just wasting everybody’s time?
Monster’s SalesHQ Web site recently posted a list of 100 interview questions sales employees should be prepared to answer.
The list includes the basic “Why do you want this job?” fare, but also several items that are a little less ordinary. For example:
- Why is there fuzz on a tennis ball?
- How would you weigh a plane without scales?
- If you could choose one superhero power, what would it be and why?
- If you could get rid of any one of the US states, which one would you get rid of, and why?
- With your eyes closed, tell me step-by-step how to tie my shoes.
- Tell me 10 ways to use a pencil other than writing.
- What is your favorite memory from childhood?
- What’s the best movie you’ve seen in the last year?
The real question: Are those worth asking in an interview? Supporters say they give you an idea of candidates’ personalities and get them to think on their toes.
But many HR managers say they provide no useful information and annoy candidates.
The best advice: Keep it work-related. You can still ask personality-related questions and come up with critical-thinking problems, but they’ll be more effective when they’re related to the work environment and the job in question.
What do you think? Do off-the-wall questions have a place in job interviews? Give us your opinion in the comments section below.
