Uncommon Interview Questions That Test the Real You

Interviews are often seen as straightforward evaluations of a candidate's skills, experience, and suitability for a role. However, some interviewers like to take a different approach to gauge not only professional qualities but also the candidate's personality, thinking, and ethical boundaries. In this article, we'll explore some of the most awkward interview questions that have tested the real you.

Years Ago, It Was Personal: A Mid-40s Interviewee and the Decision Makers

In 2015, at the age of 23, I faced my first 'real' job interview after graduate school. The atmosphere was formal, with a genuine surprise at my role as one of the interviewers. The interviewee, a man in his mid-40s, was clearly not impressed by the process. During the greeting, he immediately asked, 'Are you a decision maker or a decision influencer?'

"I'm sorry. I asked if you're a decision maker or a decision influencer."

This question may seem straightforward, but to him, it reinforced his assumption that only someone with the authority to hire could be a decision maker. Cutting the conversation short, I escorted him to a different path in the office, ultimately explaining, "I don’t have the authority to hire, but I do have the authority to thank you for your time and send you on your way." This encounter highlighted the importance of clear communication and the unpredictability of certain interview situations.

Psychological Tests in the Air Force Recruitment Process

Fast forward a few years, during the screening process for the Air Force School of Basic Training (AFSB) in Varanasi, the interviewers used a variety of questions designed to test the candidate's mental fortitude and resilience.

Riddle Question and the Belief in Ghosts

On the third day, my interview involved two officers. As the conversation progressed, one of them suddenly asked, 'Do you believe in ghosts?' This question perplexed me, and my initial response was, 'I am not sure sir how to answer this!'

Upon realizing that I was not providing an answer, the second officer urged me to respond, 'But you are supposed to! ' Feeling nervous and panicking, I eventually said, 'No sir, I don’t believe in these things!' The officer then tried to twist the question, stating that if there was a God, then there must be negative energy too, and if there was any chance of a ghost appearing, what would I do?

"If a ghost appears in front of me, I honestly think I won't be able to do anything as ‘Jo bhi karna h, wo to bhoot hi krega kyunki wo bhoot h. Mei to kuch bi ni kr paunga."

The officers, taken aback by this response, tried to get me to admit to a possible belief in ghosts. They even suggested that I should be holding my hands together, praying for protection. Eventually, we all shared a moment of awkward silence, and the second officer concluded with a smile, 'Well! It was a smart answer, Amol! All the best for your next rounds,' while advising me not to walk alone at night. Despite not getting through to the final stages, this experience remains one of the best I've ever had.

Conclusion

These interviews remind us that not all questions about job suitability are straightforward. They can be designed to push the boundaries of a candidate's composure and communication skills. While some may seem unusual, they provide valuable insights into how candidates respond under pressure and in unexpected situations. Whether it’s a question about decision-making or belief in the supernatural, the key is to remain calm, think through your responses, and maintain a professional demeanor.