The Dark Side of Job Interviews: Strangest Questions Asked

Job interviews can often be nerve-racking, but some questions thrown at candidates are more peculiar than others. In this article, we explore some of the strangest job interview questions that candidates have faced, from random bird facts to personal life details. We'll also discuss the impact of these unconventional questions on the hiring process and the candidates themselves.

The Peregrine Falcon and Software Engineering

One of the quirkiest questions during a job interview involved the diving speed of a Peregrine Falcon. A software engineer applying for a position heard, 'What's the diving speed of a Peregrine Falcon?' initially thinking this had nothing to do with his background in software engineering. Image credit: Birds in Flight

Confused, the candidate responded, 'To be honest, that’s the type of thing I’d look up on the web.' The interviewer seemed to appreciate this response, as the candidate was given the job. In fact, the question asked ended up becoming a funny anecdote exchanged between colleagues after the interview. The colleague who asked the question turned out to be a good friend and even recommended the candidate for a future position at a different company a few years later.

The Birth Control and Baby Plan Question

Another memorable (or rather, unsettling) question during a job interview was about personal reproductive plans. The candidate was asked, 'What kind of birth control are you on and are you and your husband planning a baby soon?' This kind of question was once standard practice in many companies, but it's important to handle such sensitive topics with care. The candidate politely declined to answer, recognizing the inappropriateness of such a personal question in a professional interview setting.

The Confused Director and the Big Boss

A European Financial Director interviewing a young Management Accountant faced a unique challenge. The interview began with a case study, which took 15 minutes to read, by the time it was over, the candidate asked, 'Who are you, and what do you do?' The interviewer, a senior director, sighed deeply and rolled his eyes, saying, 'I’m your bosses boss!' In retrospect, the candidate reflects that this flippant response might have been a reflection of his anxiety and inexperience. At a younger age, he may have chosen to leave the job offer, but he ultimately decided to stick it out despite the flippant remark.

The Genetic Inheritance and Corporate Integration

A more sophisticated but equally baffling question related to corporate integration involved genetics and breeding. The candidate was asked, 'What would you get if you crossed blue foot boobies with red foot boobies?' The interviewer's intent was to gauge the candidate's understanding of integrating different groups of engineers from two merging companies. However, the candidate's technically correct answer did not sit well with the Sr VP, who failed to understand genetic inheritance. The discussion that followed this question turned out to be a critical factor in the candidate’s decision to decline the job offer. The candidate advises that being direct and avoiding overly clever questions can lead to clearer communication and better outcomes.

Conclusion

These examples highlight the often unpredictable nature of job interviews. Struggling to remain professional and composed in the face of such unconventional questions can be challenging. However, it's important to remember that the interviewer is not seeking to trip you up but rather to learn more about your character, problem-solving skills, and suitability for the role.

Ultimately, these quirky questions are examples of the diverse and sometimes bizarre nature of the job market. While they may seem strange, they serve as a reminder that the job interview process is constantly evolving, and it's crucial to stay adaptable and prepared for the unexpected.

Keywords: job interview questions, strange interview questions, worst interview questions