Curveball Interview Questions How to Handle Them Like a Pro

Curveball Interview Questions How to Handle Them Like a Pro Curveball Interview Questions How to Handle Them Like a Pro When you come prepared to dazzle an interviewer with your response to “Why do you think you’d be a good fit at our company?” only to be hit with “Why are manhole covers round?” (an actual question asked at Google), you may be taken aback. But instead of panicking or demanding to know what the heck manhole covers have to do with applying to be an administrative assistant, take a breath. Curveball interview questions do have purpose, and you can handle them like a pro with these actions. How to handle curveball interview questions with ease: Relax- and remember why theyre asking this question. “Many times, the interviewer is trying to assess the way a candidate handles pressure,” says  Vicky Oliver, author of  301 Smart Answers to Tough Interview Questions. “Unfortunately, due to the ancient part of our brains that reacts to stress, we have a fight or flight reaction.” Your first task, therefore, is to remain calm. It’s OK to pause or make a statement such as “Let me take a minute to think about that interesting question.” Maintaining composure is a sure-fire way to score points. Think. Keep in mind that the employer usually isnt looking for the  right  answer (sometimes, there is no right answer to these types of questions) and instead they simply want to hear you talk through your thought process. So, its okay (actually, its encouraged!) to think out loud. For instance: “How many roses were sold on Valentine’s Day in Vermont last year?” The interviewer probably wants to test your reasoning skills, so talk through how you might arrive at an answer (such as estimating the population of Vermont, figuring out a reasonable percentage of how many of them might have bought flowers, multiplying by 12 since roses are usually sold by the dozen, etc.). “If Crayola named a new crayon in your honor, what color would it be and why? Let your creativity shine! This interview question also allows the interviewer insight into your personality. “How would you teach a five-year-old to make and serve pancakes?” This question displays your ability to break down a complex process into chunks that others can understand. It also tests thoroughness of seeing things through from start to finish- from gathering batter ingredients to putting the final product on a plate. Prepare. The problem with unusual interview questions is that, well, they’re not typical. You have no way of knowing what might be thrown at you. However, just like sports teams do drills to become better able to handle whatever happens during an actual competition, candidates can up their game through practice. The Internet contains a variety of crazy questions people have been asked. As you read them, think of how you would respond if put to the test! Know someone looking for a job? Refer a friend to with this link- you’ll get a month free service and they’ll get 30% off!