Beware: these trick questions are used during job interviews

Trick questions that could cost you the job

As times evolve, so do career pathways and the processes for securing employment. The expertise of HR managers in modern companies has deepened considerably, leading them to adopt innovative and sometimes unexpected methods to evaluate job candidates.

Unexpected questions

One of the ways interviews have changed is trick questions. Questions that, beyond the answer given, reveal important elements such as responsiveness, reaction to something unknown or the way in which things are approached. But what are these trick questions? We present some of the most curious ones.

If you were an animal, which one would you choose?

While adding little information to the interview, this question can help reassure the candidate while learning about their self-image.

(Photo: Unsplash - Nick Karvounis)

Which of your qualities would completely surprise me?

This question is designed to measure spontaneity, sincerity, and the ability to extricate oneself from compromising situations. It can also provide information about the applicant's life that was not discussed in the interview.

(Photo: Unsplash - Tim Gouw)

If your life was a book, what would the title be?

This far-fetched question requires creativity and the ability to synthesize. For example, if you decide on the title of a well-known book, it can lead to further conversations in this direction.

(Photo: Unsplash - Yosuke Ota)

Which historical figure would you have liked to have interviewed?

Usually, the character chosen by the candidate is someone he or she admires, so several candidates can be eliminated.

(Photo: Unsplash - Scott Graham)

What three items would you take with you to a desert island?

This question allows recruiters to find out what things the applicant places the most importance on and encourage them to defend their point of view, whether they choose something practical and useful for the island or something personal and emotional.

(Photo: Unsplash - Daniel Oberg)

Are you more of a hunter or gatherer?

If the candidate chooses hunter, recruiters know that they are a leader and an ambitious person. If they choose gatherer, then the candidate is someone who prefers teamwork and is a hard worker.

(Photo: Unsplash - Amy Hirschi)

What toys did you play with as a child?

When profiling the applicant, reference to past memories may provide more reliable and honest information than current information.

(Photo: Unsplash - Ravi Palwe)

Did you miss any questions during the interview?

This question shows if the candidate is honest  towards their superior. Suggesting a question is a way to challenge the interviewer's work, but it also shows that the candidate is in control of certain stressful situations.

(Photo: Unsplash - Clem Onojeghuo)

If you could choose, what would your dream job be?

The honesty of the applicant is required here, as is their commitment to the company.

(Photo: Unsplash - Markus Spiske)

How would you rate me as an interviewer on a scale from 1 to 10?

An extremely stressful situation that demonstrates the applicant's sincerity and response to the possibility of a superior evaluation.

(Photo: Unsplash - Andrew Neel)

If you look at the clock and it's 3:15, what is the angle of the hour and minute hands?

Responsiveness, logic and analytical skills, all in a tense and uncomfortable atmosphere. How should you answer? It is important to know that the angle formed is 7.5°.

(Photo: Unsplash - Rodolfo Barreto)

How many bottles of wine are consumed in the world each year?

A surprising question? Yes, and very complicated. The question aims to take the applicant out of their comfort zone, make them think and test their responsiveness. By the way: in 2021, global consumption was 23.6 billion liters, but of course the interviewer does not expect you to name this number.

(Photo: Unsplash - Christina Wocintechchat)

Do you think there is extraterrestrial life on other planets?

In this case, there is no right or wrong answer. It's about seeing the candidate defend their point of view on a topic far removed from the main topic of the interview, unless it's a NASA interview.

(Photo: Unsplash - Julia Borges)

How much money does Japan make per year from reusable chopsticks?

Another difficult question to answer, but one that requires imagination, improvisation, and some analytical ability - all in a limited amount of time and in an environment that is suboptimal for thorough analysis.

(Photo: Unsplash -Douglas Lopez)

What do you do when you make plans go to the movies with someone and they stand you up, but you bought the tickets?

This question aims to analyze the candidate's behavioral patterns and find out whether their personality fits the culture of the company and the team. There is no right answer, just be honest.

(Photo: Unsplash - Adolfo Felix)

Do you think you are a funny person?

Be careful with this question, because if you answer "yes," the next question is usually about telling a joke. Better be prepared.

(Photo: Unsplash - Irene Carpaccio)

What's the craziest thing you've ever done?

This question is usually asked at the end of the interview, when the atmosphere is more relaxed to get to know the true nature of the candidate and their storytelling style along the way. Beware of crazy memories and anecdotes that in many cases have cost people jobs.

(Photo: Unsplash - Christina Wocintechchat)

If you have a 5 liter container and a 3 liter container, how do you get 4 liters into one container?

Improvisation, the ability to respond to a problem, all under the pressure of an interlocutor looking you in the eye. The solution? Take a deep breath, pause and think about what you would really do in this situation.

(Photo: Unsplash - Todd Gallant)

How much is 25% of 80?

Willy-nilly, this question has an answer, and it's 20. When the job involves numbers, accounting, etc., it's logical that you'd be put to the test. There is no trick here, the answer can only be right or wrong.

(Photo: Unsplash - Thestandingdesk)

Please recite the third act of Macbeth by heart

It is, of course, almost impossible to memorize Act III of Macbeth. The recruiter looks for the reaction to the impossible, how to free oneself from it and justify it. One of the best ways is to take it with humor and quick wit. "I haven't memorized that act, but I could offer you 'Romeo and Juliet'. But I'd have to listen to the whole play first."

(Photo: Unsplash - Erik McLean)