The interviewer is testing how you handle pressure and your ability to think on your feet. Sometimes the questions border on the absurd and would have been laughable, if the intent hadn't been so serious.
One girl during an interview was caught by surprise when she was asked, “What would you do if I threw this crystal ashtray at your head?" She was startled, but kept her wits about her and answered, “It better not hit me, for I would take you to court for huge damages, buy this company and then fire you without assigning any reason or giving you any compensation?” The reply so delighted the interviewer that the job was offered to the girl, then and there.
What is the interviewer aiming to achieve by asking you such, seemingly ridiculous and illogical questions? They are looking for employees who can follow directions, face challenging unforeseen circumstances without losing their poise and composure. The answers also help eliminate candidates who are pretentious and stuck-up.
Here are some questions that you may be asked? Be prepared.
- Why Do You Suppose Manhole Covers Are Round?
When an interviewee was asked, why manhole covers were round, he was stuck for an answer and waited for a moment, requested the interviewer to repeat the question to buy some time and then answered, “so that they don't fall in.” The answer showed that he had the requisite problem solving skills. One wisecrack, answered, they are round because they are not square. That could be classed as witty, but his answer did ensure that he fell into the hole, in which the covers did not.
- Why Do You Think That You Are The Right Candidate For This Job?
This question is again full of pitfalls. Singing your praises could be taken as being boastful and a braggart. But a selective and careful outlying of your past experiences and your skills, will reflect that you have confidence in yourself and self-belief that your abilities will carry you through.
- Who Is Your Favorite Person And Why?
Before you say, Angelina Joliemake sure that your interviewer is not a woman. You could have kissed your chances goodbye, by that seemingly trivial retort. Identify with someone, who has known qualities and whose accomplishments you wish to emulate. Surprisingly most men will say that Nelson Mandela is their person of choice, whereas females opt for someone like Mother Teresa. Whosoever, you choose, do your homework about the person and articulate clearly what you like about them and why you have placed them on such a high pedestal.
This question will let the interviewer known what sort of values and ideals you hold dear and whether they mesh with the company's values.
- Which Are Your Favorite Movies?
This is another question, whose answer, the interviewer will be listening to very carefully. Mention films that have won awards and are meaningful, although chances are that you may not have seen them. Try not to mention films that are controversial and provocative. Action films with a lot of violence are also a definite no-no. Stick to the tried and tested Schindler's List, Gone With the Wind, Sound Of Music and films in similar genre.
- More Answering Approaches
Never skip an answer. Do your best. A lame answer is better than not answering at all. Of course you can always tell that the question was least expected and did flummox you, but don't panic and answer it to the best of your ability.
- At Times It Pays To Say That The Question Had You Confounded?
After answering the question, as best as you can, it will do you no harm to tell the interviewer that you were not expecting the question, but it really got your thought process moving to think why it is important. Moreover, it will show the interviewer that you are willing to accept your discomfort and are speaking the truth. These are valuable traits in a trusted administrative worker.
