Oh, the Quirky Job Interview Question

I think we can all agree that job interviews are inherently awkward human interactions that most of us nevertheless have to endure a few times in our lives. And even if you are great at interviewing people and being interviewed, you have to concede that the quirky, off-topic hypothetical interview question that is supposed to reveal something about your character or your problem-solving skills are THE ENEMY.

Either way, please enjoy some of the gems on Glassdoor’s list of “Top 25 Oddball Interview Questions” for 2013, and imagine sitting across from someone leaning back in their Aeron chairs, pushing their glasses up their nose and making intense eye contact as they pretend to make up these ridiculous questions on the spot. Okay, or here are some of my favorites, and what I imagine I would come up with in the heat of the moment:

Zappos: “If you could throw a parade of any caliber through the Zappos office what type of parade would it be?”

Hmm. I mean, oh god. I do love parades! Maybe we could parade your warehouse employees through the office, and they could hold up signs that said how much they made an hour, and how many kids they have, and what they pay in healthcare costs every year?

Apple: “If you were a pizza deliveryman how would you benefit from scissors?”

Umm. Wow, good question. *wipes sweat off of brow* Gooooood question. Let’s see. I guess it would have to be, um, cut up a pizza into the shape of an iPhone and then try to call you with it to thank you for taking the time to meet with me?

Dell: “Are you more of a hunter or a gatherer?”

*puts head down on desk* *cries uncontrollably*

Norwegian Cruise Line: “Do you believe in Big Foot?”

Wow, ok, that’s easy. No. Just, no. Next question! (*looks over interviewers’ shoulder and catches sight of a BIGFOOT IS REAL bumper sticker attached to filing cabinet* *slams fist in hand under the desk*) DAMMIT.

Photo: bpsusf

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