How to Answer Weird AF Interview Questions

Have you ever been asked a completely random, curve-ball question in a job interview? 🤨🤨🤨

These questions are designed to throw you off and allow the interviewer to see how you think on your feet.

This is a great opportunity to showcase your:

🧠 Problem-solving skills

🎨 Creativity

💪🏼 Adaptability

🗣 Communication skills

…and much more!

These types of questions have been gaining popularity in the tech industry and can be nerve-wracking. Don’t worry though, they don’t actually expect you to know the answer❗️ They just want to see how you think! Here are some things to keep in mind next time you’re asked why a manhole cover is round.

1. Stay Calm and Composed:

   When presented with weird questions like this, stay calm and composed 🌱 The actual answer doesn’t matter as much as your thought process and problem-solving abilities. They want to see how your brain works 🧠

2. Ask Questions:

   Take a moment to analyze the question and break it down into its components 🔨 What are they really asking? If they ask, "How would you go about testing an elevator?" ask them if the elevator is new or old. Ask them what you’re testing for🤔 Be clear on what they’re asking you to solve. 

3. Share Your Thought Process:

   Then think about it and give it your best answer. The most important thing is to share your thoughts out loud! To answer the manhole question, you might say, " I don't know why manhole covers are round. So I’m unable to give you a certain answer, however, here are my guesses. 1️⃣ Stability -the circular shape means that it can’t fall in itself. 2️⃣ Safety-the round shape minimizes potential for damage. 3️⃣ Uniformity-the cornerless shape makes it easy to manufacture and install.”

4. Make Reasonable Assumptions:

   In many cases, you won't have all the information you need to provide a precise answer. Don't be afraid to make reasonable assumptions and clearly state them. If you’re asked to estimate the number of golf balls it’ll take to fill a school bus 🚌, for example, you might assume the dimensions of a standard school bus or the size of the golf balls ⛳️

5. Show Your Math Skills:

   If the question involves calculations, demonstrate your math skills. Walk the interviewer through the equations and formulas you're using 🧮 You’ll not only be showcasing your problem-solving abilities but also your communication skills.

6. Emphasize Creativity:

   Unconventional questions often have no single correct answer. Use your creativity to explore different angles 🌈🔎 

7. Stay Positive:

   Maintain a positive and confident demeanor throughout your response. Even if you're unsure of the answer, your attitude and approach can leave a lasting impression ✨

Remember:

😜 Have a bit of fun with it

🧐 Ask counter questions

😌 Stay calm

😀 Give it your best shot

Pro tip: if you want to know what kinds of questions a company might ask, check out the “interviews” tab on Glassdoor, Fishbowl & Reddit.

You got this!! 👏