As a recruiter, you’ve probably encountered your fair share of unusual questions that leave candidates (and sometimes even you) scratching their heads.  While most interview questions are designed to assess a candidate’s qualifications, some seem more like a test of creativity, patience, or just plain bizarre thinking. But, fear not! We’ve compiled a list of the weirdest interview questions we’ve ever come across being asked, along with a little guidance on how to handle them with grace (and maybe a laugh). 

“If you were a vegetable, which one would you be?” 

• Why It’s Weird: This question is often asked to gauge creativity or a candidate’s ability to think on their feet. However, it doesn’t exactly relate to the candidate’s job skills. 

• How to Handle It: Take a deep breath and embrace the absurdity. A fun response could be, “I’d be a sweet potato—versatile, dependable, and always able to bring something unique to the table.” The key is to remain confident and turn it into an opportunity to showcase personality and creativity without getting too bogged down in logic. 

“How many footballs would fit inside this room?” 

• Why It’s Weird: This question seems like something you’d hear in a maths class or at a fair ground game booth, not a professional interview. 

• How to Handle It: The purpose of this question is less about knowing the exact number of footballs and more about assessing your problem-solving skills. You can calmly approach it by starting with a basic assumption: “Well, I’ll assume the average football is about 20cm/10 inches in diameter, and this room is about X meters/feet wide… Let’s do some quick calculations!” It’s about showing your thought process rather than coming up with a precise answer. 

“If you were an animal, what kind would you be?” 

• Why It’s Weird: While somewhat common, this question can be a head-scratcher, especially when you’re trying to figure out what “animal personality” fits with the job you’re applying for. 

• How to Handle It: Keep it simple and tie your answer to the job in some way. “I’d be a lion—strong, strategic, and a natural leader when necessary.” This helps you demonstrate qualities that are relevant to the position in a fun, memorable way. Plus, it’s always a great conversation starter! 

“What’s your spirit animal?” 

• Why It’s Weird: Much like the animal question above, this one veers into the mystical realm, which can be awkward for those who aren’t into metaphysical discussions. 

• How to Handle It: Be yourself. “I think my spirit animal is a koala. I’m laid-back, but I work hard when it’s time to focus and get things done.” Or, if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can give a playful answer like, “A sloth—because I’m strategic in taking my time with decisions.” Keep it light-hearted but also think about how your answer reflects your personality traits relevant to the role. 

“If you could have dinner with any three people, dead or alive, who would they be?” 

• Why It’s Weird: While it sounds like a casual “get to know you” question, the answers could be so varied that it’s hard to know if you’re supposed to be strategic or just choose your favourite historical figures. 

• How to Handle It: This question can showcase your values and interests outside of work. A good strategy is to pick people who inspire you professionally, personally, or creatively. For example, “I’d have dinner with Steve Jobs to learn about innovation, Roald Dahl to discuss the power of storytelling, and my grandmother, because she has life wisdom that can’t be found in books.” It’s a great chance to share your passion or personal inspirations. 

“How would you explain social media to someone that’s been on a desert island for the last 30 years?” 

• Why It’s Weird: The question itself isn’t that strange, but it can be tricky to simplify something as complex as social media in a way that someone that hasn’t seen the technology evelolve would understand. 

• How to Handle It: Approach this question with a balance of simplicity and clarity. “I’d explain social media as a place where people share stories, pictures, and ideas with their friends—like a giant digital scrapbook that everyone can look at and add to!” It’s all about simplifying your communication and showing you can break down complicated concepts in a way that is relatable to anyone, regardless of technical understanding. 

“If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?” 

• Why It’s Weird: While this question is commonly used to evaluate a candidate’s imagination, it’s hard to know if the interviewer is expecting a deep, philosophical answer or something more light-hearted. 

• How to Handle It: You could answer with something like, “I’d have the ability to instantly learn any skill. That way, I could continuously adapt to challenges and be the most effective team player.” This shows your adaptability and eagerness to improve—two great qualities for almost any job! 

“What would you do if you won the lottery tomorrow?” 

• Why It’s Weird: This question seems like it’s testing a candidate’s commitment to the job, but at the same time, it can veer into fantasy land. 

• How to Handle It: A good approach is to say something like, “I’d pay off my student loans, travel for a bit, and then come back to work on something meaningful. I love my career and want to continue growing in it.” This shows you’re not just motivated by money but by purpose and growth. 

“What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever done for a job?” 

• Why It’s Weird: This could lead to all kinds of unpredictable responses, and the last thing you want is to make your interviewer uncomfortable with a bizarre story. 

• How to Handle It: Think about an unusual but appropriate task you’ve done in a past job, ideally something relevant to the role you’re applying for. “Once, I had to organize a surprise flash mob for a team-building event—it was definitely weird but fun and creative!” The goal is to show you can handle unconventional situations with flexibility and a good sense of humour. 

“How would you sell ice to an Eskimo?” 

• Why It’s Weird: This is a classic “sales” question that’s meant to test persuasion and creativity, but it can also feel outdated or culturally insensitive depending on how it’s asked. 

• How to Handle It: Take a more modern spin: “Well, I wouldn’t sell ice to an Eskimo. Instead, I’d understand their needs and offer a product that could benefit them in a unique way—perhaps a high-quality cooler or an eco-friendly energy-efficient freezer.” This demonstrates ethical salesmanship and empathy, while still answering the challenge. 

The Bottom Line 

Weird interview questions might seem offbeat, but they often test your creativity, problem-solving skills, and ability to think under pressure. The key to handling these bizarre queries is to stay calm, have fun with the question, and always tie your answer back to a quality that will make you an asset to the team. Remember, sometimes the weirdest questions end up being the ones that make you stand out in the best way possible.