Most candidates come to an interview prepared to answer standard interview questions. These usually focus on strengths and weaknesses, where the candidate sees themselves in five years, or why the company should hire them. However, unexpected and unusual questions are often far more effective in revealing how a candidate truly thinks and improvises. Here are three questions that you can use during an interview for this purpose.
These questions were published by HR Morning as inspiration.
„How many piano tuners are there in New York City?“
You can use this question to find out how a person thinks. The final number they provide is not particularly important. What matters far more is the thought process that leads them to their estimate. You will see whether they can proceed systematically and arrive at a conclusion based on logical assumptions rather than random guessing. For completeness, an estimate reasonably close to reality would be somewhere between 100 and 400.
„If you had to lead a one hour training session right now without any preparation, what topic would you choose?“
This question reveals what the candidate considers to be their strengths, the area in which they see themselves as an expert, and what generally interests them. Their reaction to this scenario can also reveal something about their confidence and ability to improvise.
„When was the last time you became angry?“
If someone claims that they never get angry, they are likely being insincere and demonstrating a lack of meaningful self reflection. A candidate should be aware of their weaknesses and negative traits and should know how to work with their emotions. They should therefore be able to explain when they last became angry, and the way they describe the situation can reveal a great deal about them.
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