Unusual Interview Questions to Ask Candidates
Creative and unconventional interview questions that help you assess candidates' creativity, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit while revealing their personality and thinking process.
1If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
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If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
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Why this works
Reveals their personality traits and shows what characteristics they value or identify with, while assessing their creativity and self-awareness.
2If you could have dinner with anyone living or dead, who would it be and why?
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If you could have dinner with anyone living or dead, who would it be and why?
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Why this works
Shows their interests, values, and intellectual curiosity while revealing who they admire or find most fascinating.
3If you could be famous for anything, what would it be?
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If you could be famous for anything, what would it be?
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Why this works
Reveals their aspirations and interests while showing what they value most and what they'd want to be known for.
4If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
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If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
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Why this works
Fun and imaginative question that reveals their personality, values, and what they find most important or appealing.
5If you could go back in time and change one thing, what would it be?
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If you could go back in time and change one thing, what would it be?
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Why this works
Reveals their regrets and shows what they'd want to change about their past, helping you understand their growth and decision-making.
6If you could be any age again, what age would you be and why?
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If you could be any age again, what age would you be and why?
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Why this works
Reveals their favorite life stage and shows what period of their life they found most enjoyable or meaningful.
7If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?
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If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?
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Why this works
Reveals their career aspirations and interests while showing what kind of work or lifestyle they find most appealing or fulfilling.
8If you could have any talent, what would it be?
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If you could have any talent, what would it be?
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Why this works
Reveals their interests and aspirations while showing what skills or abilities they find most appealing or useful.
9If you could have any pet, what would it be and why?
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If you could have any pet, what would it be and why?
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Why this works
Fun and personal question that reveals their preferences and shows what kind of companionship or characteristics they value.
10If you could have any car, what would it be and why?
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If you could have any car, what would it be and why?
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Why this works
Shows their preferences and interests while revealing what kind of vehicle or lifestyle they find most appealing.
11If you could have any hobby, what would it be and why?
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If you could have any hobby, what would it be and why?
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Why this works
Reveals their interests and aspirations while showing what kind of activities or pastimes they find most appealing or fulfilling.
12If you could have any house, what would it be like and why?
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If you could have any house, what would it be like and why?
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Why this works
Shows their lifestyle preferences and reveals what kind of home or living situation they find most appealing or comfortable.
13If you could have any vacation, what would it be and why?
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If you could have any vacation, what would it be and why?
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Why this works
Reveals their travel interests and shows what kind of experiences or destinations they find most appealing or relaxing.
14If you could have any skill, what would it be and why?
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If you could have any skill, what would it be and why?
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Why this works
Shows their interests and aspirations while revealing what abilities or knowledge they find most appealing or useful.
15If you could have any friend, who would it be and why?
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If you could have any friend, who would it be and why?
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Why this works
Reveals their social preferences and shows what kind of relationships or companionship they value most.
16If you could have any memory, what would it be and why?
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If you could have any memory, what would it be and why?
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Why this works
Shows their favorite experiences and reveals what moments or memories they find most meaningful or enjoyable.
17If you could have any achievement, what would it be and why?
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If you could have any achievement, what would it be and why?
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Why this works
Reveals their aspirations and shows what accomplishments or recognition they find most meaningful or desirable.
18If you could have any experience, what would it be and why?
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If you could have any experience, what would it be and why?
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Why this works
Shows their interests and aspirations while revealing what kind of experiences or adventures they find most appealing or fulfilling.
19If you could have any book, what would it be and why?
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If you could have any book, what would it be and why?
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Why this works
Reveals their literary interests and shows what kind of books or reading material they find most valuable or interesting.
20If you could have any movie, what would it be and why?
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If you could have any movie, what would it be and why?
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Why this works
Shows their entertainment preferences and reveals what kind of movies or entertainment they find most appealing or meaningful.
Best Practices for Unusual Interview Questions
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Use Questions to Assess Cultural Fit
Choose questions that help you understand if the candidate will fit well with your company culture and team dynamics. Look for alignment with your values and work style.
Focus on Creativity and Problem-Solving
Ask questions that reveal their creative thinking, problem-solving abilities, and how they approach unconventional situations. This shows their adaptability and innovation potential.
Be Respectful and Professional
While these questions are unconventional, maintain a professional and respectful tone. Ensure the questions are appropriate and don't make the candidate uncomfortable.
Question Sequences
The Personality and Values Sequence
The Aspirations and Interests Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Ask Questions That Are Too Personal
Avoid questions about personal matters, family, or private information. Keep the questions professional and appropriate for a work setting.
Don't Make Assumptions About Their Answers
Don't assume you know what their answers mean or make judgments about their responses. Ask follow-up questions to understand their reasoning.
Don't Ignore Their Professional Qualifications
While these questions are fun, don't forget to assess their professional qualifications, skills, and experience. Balance creativity with competence.