How to Answer the Top 5 Most Stupid Interview Questions
- Date: 09 Jun, 2017
- Posted by: Leah Thurber
- Category: Study
How to answer five stupid interview questions
In life there are questions. Now you can easily repeat the phrase “There is no such thing as a stupid question” over and over as though it were your personal mantra. However, when facing hard facts, there is no denying the fact that there are questions that don’t need to be asked, or that shouldn’t be asked. In an interview, this is no different. Even though you have passed all the preliminary screenings, probably including the one made by an HR AI tool, the fight is not over yet.
You will be asked a few stupid questions, and these questions are usually designed to put you on the spot or cause confusion. They are meant to be unexpected and catch you at the spur of the moment. How to make sure you will deal with such questions successfully? Careful preparation is key whether it is a remote or in-office interview. Here's a guide to help you prepare for remote interviews and a list of 5 of the most idiotic questions and tips on how to answer them.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
- What makes this question stupid?
This information tells them very little about you and why they should hire you, and usually stands as a barrier that makes you need to be quick to answer the question.
- Why is this question asked?
The answer depends on the company. However, this question is usually asked to prove you can set goals for yourself and keep them.
- How you should answer
Simply state that you will be working on something you are passionate about.
If you were an animal, what kind would you be?
- What makes this question stupid?
The answer is simple; this seems to be a naive question and highly inappropriate for a job interview. It tricks you into believing that they are looking for a particular answer when you can answer in any way you want.
- Why is this question asked?
Interviewers believe that this is a fun question, and they know it can cause a curve ball moment for the interviewee.
- How you should answer
When answering a question like this, you should answer in any fashion you wish. They want to confuse you. Therefore, you should simply say what you want. If you are a sloth, say it. If you are a lion, say it. If you are not an animal, just say that.
What would your old boss say about you?
- What makes this question stupid?
More than likely you have used your previous employer as a professional reference, and they more than likely have contacted him to confirm if you would be a good choice. It would seem almost obvious that they should know the answer to the question.
- Why is this question asked?
Usually, they ask this question to find out how you felt about your past employer, and how that reflects upon your behavior. If you truly believed that your employer disliked you, then most employers can assume that you will not be a good asset to their team.
- How you should answer
You should state that your boss found you to be a wonderful asset to their team, then add your reasoning to that.
What will you add to our team?
- Why is this question stupid?
More often than not, this is one of the most scripted questions existing in the world of interviewing. You don’t know who is on the team, and what your team doesn’t have that you do.
- Why is this question asked?
This is a personality question in disguise and helps the interviewer see what kind of person you are.
- How you should answer the question
Sometimes the best way to answer a question is with another question. Ask them what they believe the team needs, and prove that you can provide that need. This will catch the interviewer off guard in a happy way because they usually expect the usual “A hard worker” type of answer.
What is your greatest weakness?
- Why is this a stupid question?
Many believe that a question like this is quite personal, and the real answer is something that you probably wouldn’t want to share to begin with.
- Why do interviewers ask this question?
It’s simple; it’s to put you on the spot and see how you would answer.
How you should answer the question
In reality, you should think of the ways you shouldn’t answer. Never say anything along the lines of “You’re a perfectionist” or “That you work too hard.” Instead, focus on something more technical that you have issues with, then state how you will work on that weakness.
Return the favor
Even though an interview leaves not so much place for a mistake, it should not be a one-way street. Quite the opposite: asking your interviewer questions signifies your interest in the job and company values. So write your own list and make the meeting equally pleasant and beneficial for all its participants!
