When the interviewer throws you a curveball, make sure you're prepared and answer the quirkiest interview questions like a pro

Interviews aren't merely about ticking boxes. Hiring managers want to get a feel for who you are and whether you will suit the company culture. So, toward the end of a session, you might find that they throw some fun interview questions your way. Don't let the sudden change of tone spook you. In this guide, we share how you can answer them with finesse.

Puzzling and fun interview questions

First up, let's take a look at some real head-scratchers. These are the fun job interview questions that will make the cogs of your brain start turning. The interviewer is looking for creative answers that show you're not scared of thinking outside of the box. 

The answer doesn't always have to be 100% correct (and sometimes it can't be!). However, you should show your working out and talk the interviewer through your process. 

1. How many balloons would fit into this room?

Example answer: 

“Let's see - this room looks like it's about 150 square foot. But before I can answer the question accurately… I'd need to take exact measurements here and, of course, know whether the balloons were blown up. I could then work out the capacity of the room and divide that by the size of the balloons to get an answer.”

2. Why are manholes round?

Example answer: 

“Round manholes are actually a design classic! The round cover can never fall through the manhole - no matter how much you twist it. The same isn't true for a square manhole and cover. If you move the manhole cover to a diagonal position, you could slide it through the gap. For that reason, it is logical to go with a simplistic round design here.”

3. How would you sell us this pen?

Example answer: 

“I can already tell that you're a man who is always on the go - juggling many different projects. When you're pulled from pillar to post, the last thing you want to do is forget something crucial. That's why you need a trusty pen that will never let you down. This one is sleek, light, and durable. So, whatever the occasion, you can trust it to do the job.”

4. Describe the taste of salt to someone who has never tasted it.

Example answer: 

“I thought you'd never ask. Okay, close your eyes. Imagine I've just made you a delicious pasta dish but there's a taste that you can't put your finger on. It's sour but not tangy. Savory but not rich. Somehow it makes the dish taste better than ever. That is, in fact, salt!”

5. If you were to launch a new app today, what would it be?

Example answer: 

“It's funny you should ask! The other day, my partner and I were trying to choose a movie and we just couldn't agree. We ended up spending three hours scrolling through Netflix before eventually going to bed. Why am I telling you this? Well…

“I propose an app that would end that problem for couples everywhere. Say hello to Movie-Finder! Each person downloads the app and is presented with a list of movies that they swipe left or right on. When they both “like” (i.e. swipe right on) a movie, they get a match and can watch that one.”

Fun personality interview questions

Spoiler: The hiring manager wants to get to know you and see what makes you tick. That's why they ask fun interview questions that reveal character. Now, you should be honest in your answers here, but give more than a quick response. Try to elaborate on each point and why you picked it. Here are some example answers that you can use for inspiration. 

6. If you had your own theme song, what would it be and why?

Example answer: 

“I think I'd have to choose 'Mastermind' by Taylor Swift. I'm always planning things well in advance and making sure that everything slots into place in the end. It's a lot of work but I love it. Organization is one of my best skills. Also, as a side note, I'm a huge Swiftie!”

7. If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

Example answer: 

“Telepathy! As a salesperson, it's my job to understand what clients need and, frankly, I think I do a great job as it is. However, I can't quite read their minds just yet. If I was telepathic, I'd be able to know exactly what they want from the offset.”

8. What is your favorite thing about yourself?

Example answer: 

“That's a tough one. My people skills - I'm naturally sociable and always want to get to know new people. That curiosity has helped me in all areas of my life and I've honestly made some great connections.”

9. What would your eulogy say?

Example answer: 

“She never stood still. Maria spent her life doing what she loved - learning new things and taking on new challenges. She was passionate about making a difference and the people that she cared about.” 

10. What would the title of your autobiography be?

Example answer: 

“Oh, that's an interesting question…. The title would reference the fact that I'm a prolific Copywriter and coffee drinker. I would probably go with something fun like 'Typing with One Hand, Coffee in the Other'.” 

11. What actor would play you in a movie about your life?

Example answer: 

“Don't laugh at me for this one… I would have to say Angelina Jolie. I know I look nothing like her, but she's known for her action movies and my life has been full of that! She'd be the perfect actor to rise to the challenge and show how far I've come.”  

12. How would your best friend describe you in three words?

Example answer: 

“She would probably say that I am loyal. We've been friends since we were in middle school and we've always had each other's back. I imagine she'd also say that I'm smart, as she always comes to me with her problems. And I guess she'd say that I'm funny, because she always laughs when she is around me!”

Fun interview questions about your tastes

Next up, the interviewer may want to know what you like and what you dislike. Don't worry - this is not a test. They aren't going to pass over you simply because you love Nickelback. However, you should try to tie your answer to your personality and showcase your skills. Take a quick look at some of our example answers below to get an idea of what we mean.

13. What is your favorite song at the moment and why?

Example answer: 

“I can't stop listening to 'Hotel California' by the Eagles at the moment. It's an oldie but I've found that nostalgia helps me to get into the right frame of mind for work. When I listen to it - usually before breakfast - I feel calm and relaxed. I'm ready for the day.”

14. Which celebrity do you most admire and why?

Example answer: 

“I'd have to say Michael Sheen. Yes, he's a fantastic actor, but that's not my reason. I've also read a whole lot about his charity work. He's actually the first "not-for-profit actor.” That means he gives all of his movie earnings to worthwhile causes. I really think he is an example of a celebrity who is at once successful and fundamentally altruistic.”

15. Are you a dog or cat person?

Example answer: 

“Is this a trick question? I have a cat, so I guess I have to say I'm technically a cat person. However, I think my nature is more like that of a dog. I'm loyal, enthusiastic, and energetic. It's fair to say that my cat, Molly, is none of those things!”

16. What last meal would you choose?

Example answer: 

“It would have to be seafood paella with a glass of good red wine. I studied in Barcelona for a year during college and it was the first time I was pushed well out of my comfort zone. I think this meal would take me back to those days when everything was still new to me.” 

Quirky and fun interview questions

Next up, it's time to get a little silly. Interviews can be dull at the best of times. The hiring manager may use fun interview questions to lighten the mood. Make sure that you answer the following questions with the same lighthearted tone. After all, the interviewer wants to see that you're an approachable person who will fit right into the workforce. 

17. If you were a dinosaur, what type of dinosaur would you be?

Example answer: 

“I guess I'd be a Diplodocus as I, too, am a vegetarian. I am also pretty laid back and don't get into conflict. I could see myself meandering around the Jurassic landscape, never bothering any of the other dinosaurs there.” 

18. What do you think of scented candles?

Example answer: 

“That's certainly not a question that I thought I'd be answering today, but I'm glad you asked! I love scented candles and always have them in my home. I like to change them by season - pumpkin spice for fall and mulled wine for winter. I think there's a lot to be said for creating a warming, welcoming environment wherever you are.”

19. What fictional character do you most identify with and why?

Example answer: 

“I'm a real bookworm so I would have to say Belle from Beauty and the Beast. I really related to her as a kid, as she wasn't afraid to be different from the other townspeople. I think that's a lesson I really internalized. These days, I'm proud to stand out from the crowd.”

20. Let's say you just won $1 million. What would you spend it on?

Example answer: 

“First of all, I'd go on a really swanky vacation - five stars, the best beaches, fancy restaurants and so on. When I'd done that, I'd come back and invest some of my money in your company. I've watched it grow from a startup to one of the most promising tech businesses in the state and I want to be a part of it. If the past is anything to go by, I know it would be a safe investment.”

Interview questions about the last thing you did

Getting to know interviewees can be challenging. That's why hiring managers will sometimes ask fun interview questions about the last thing you did. When you're faced with one of these questions, be ready to reveal something about your personality. Offer up more than a one-word answer and relate the question back to your nature. 

21. What was the last gift you gave and why did you choose it?

Example answer: 

“It was my sister's birthday last week so I got her a hot air balloon ride. I know that one of her goals this year was to push herself outside of her comfort zone and I thought this would be a good start. I'm a bit of a thrillseeker, so we're going to do it together.”

22. What was the last song that you listened to?

Example answer: 

“On the way to this interview I was listening to 'My Shot' from Hamilton. I absolutely love the musical and always find that the song peps me up. It was just what I needed to give me a confidence boost for today.”

23. What was the last podcast you listened to?

Example answer: 

“It was 'Short History Of' and the episode was about the life of Thomas Edison. It's a bit nerdy, but I love learning about famous figures and how they succeeded.”

24. What was the last vacation you went on?

Example answer: 

“My partner and I went to France for our two-year anniversary. He loves French food and I love art and culture, so it seemed like a match made in heaven. I don't like to waste time when on vacation so, before we went, we sat down and made a full itinerary of where we would stay, where we would eat, and what we would see. We also made a budget, of course.” 

Advice-based fun interview questions 

Advice shows what you've learned so far - something that's of great interest to the interviewer. You might find that they ask you fun interview questions about advice you've either received or given. When these questions come your way, think of it as a chance to share your expertise and wisdom. Here are some example answers to help you out.

25. What advice would you give your 10-year-old self?

Example answer: 

“Read everything you can about emerging technology - it's the future, after all. I'd also tell her that everything will work out in the end. I think when we're young, we worry that we don't have what it takes and that can hold us back. I know that's how I felt when I was a kid, anyway. I'd like to tell her that she shouldn't doubt herself.”

26. What is one piece of advice that you regret listening to?

Example answer: 

“When I was in high school, a teacher said I should spend less time on MySpace and more time reading. He was wrong. Thanks to the social media platform, I learned HTML before I'd finished school. That sparked my interest in coding and I went on to study it at college. Fast-forward to the present day and I've worked as a Software Developer for some of the biggest brands in the US. I think that Mr. Jones would be surprised at how far I've come.” 

27. What was the best piece of advice anyone ever gave you?

Example answer: 

“My dad always told me to 'listen first and talk later.' Too many people are quick to have their say, without really listening to anybody else's opinion. You miss out on so many insights that way. I pride myself on my ability to tune into what people have to say. I believe in sharing ideas, learning from others, and collaborating with those around me.”

Prep your answers now! 

Fun interview questions can throw you, especially if you don't prepare for them in advance. In this guide, we've given you a whole host of examples that will win over any hiring manager. While you don't have a crystal ball and can't predict what questions you'll be asked, it's always worth doing some interview preparation ahead of time. 

When you're preparing for your next interview, you mustn't leave anything to chance. To give yourself the competitive edge, team up with one of our expert TopInterview coaches today. Get ahead of the game and ace your next interview.

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