Key Takeaways
- Expect the unexpected. Offbeat questions are increasingly common in behavioural interviews.
- Stay calm. A thoughtful pause is better than a rushed answer.
- Look for intent. Every question is an opportunity to reveal your strengths.
- Be yourself. Authenticity often stands out more than perfection.
- Connect to the job. Tie your answer back to qualities that make you a great fit.
Reading time: 6 minutes.
Preparation is the best answer
Job interviews are a key step in landing your next opportunity. Even the most confident candidate can feel thrown off when faced with an unexpected question.
Unusual or “curveball” interview questions are designed to reveal how you think, react, and problem-solve under pressure. They’re not meant to trick you, but to show how you approach uncertainty.
Here’s how to prepare for them, and what your answers might reveal.
20 Unusual Job Interview Questions You Might Be Asked
Recruiters and hiring managers often use creative or offbeat questions to assess your personality, problem-solving skills, and emotional intelligence. Here are some examples:
- What was the last gift you gave someone?
- It’s Wednesday, and you’re being sent to Calgary for a project on Monday. What are the top five things you do before you leave?
- If you were a box of cereal, what would you be and why?
- If you could sing one song on Canadian Idol, what would it be?
- Are you more of a hunter or a gatherer?
- What’s the funniest thing that’s happened to you recently?
- You’re a new addition to the crayon box — what colour would you be and why?
- If you were a pizza delivery driver, how would you use scissors on the job?
- If a movie were made about your life, who would play you and why?
- How honest are you?
- If you were stranded on an island, which three things would you bring?
- Can you explain how to make an origami ‘cootie catcher’ using only words?
- If you were 80 years old, what advice would you give your children?
- What’s your favourite cereal brand and why?
- Do you believe in reincarnation?
- How lucky are you — and why?
- What matters more to you: luck or hard work?
- How would you use Yelp to estimate the number of businesses in Canada?
- Why is a tennis ball fuzzy?
- If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Why Employers Ask Unusual Interview Questions
While some questions might seem strange, there’s always a reason behind them. Employers ask these to:
- Understand your personality: Are you creative, analytical, empathetic, or pragmatic?
- Gauge cultural fit: How will you mesh with the company’s values, pace, or team dynamics?
- See how you think on your feet: Your ability to stay composed under pressure can be a strong indicator of job performance.
- Spot emotional intelligence: How you respond says a lot about your self-awareness and communication style. For instance, do you lash out under pressure?
How to Handle Unusual Interview Questions
1. Pause and Think
It’s completely fine to take a moment – in fact it’s expected. A short pause shows that you’re thoughtful – not flustered. Try saying, “That’s an interesting question — give me a second to think about it.”
2. Understand the Intent
Ask yourself what the interviewer might be trying to learn.
For example:
- If you were a colour, which would you be?” might be testing self-awareness or creativity.
- “How lucky are you?” might reveal optimism or resilience.
- “If you could have one superpower, what would it be?” might reveal what values you have?
3. Relate It to the Role
Even a quirky question can lead to a professional insight.
Example:
- “If I were a crayon, I’d be blue: calm under pressure and focused on clarity. That’s how I approach complex projects.”
4. Be Authentic
Interviewers can spot rehearsed answers. Let your genuine personality show. Humour, curiosity, or reflection can all leave a memorable impression.
5. Practice Storytelling
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, even for unexpected questions. It helps you stay concise and confident.
How to Handle a Question You Don’t Know the Answer To
Even the best-prepared candidates get asked questions they can’t answer. What matters most isn’t having the perfect response — it’s how you handle the moment. When you’re unsure, take a breath and show curiosity. Try saying:
“That’s something I haven’t thought about before, but here’s how I’d approach it…” or “I’m not entirely sure, but based on what I know, I’d start by…”
This approach demonstrates problem-solving, humility, and the ability to think on your feet. These qualities most employers value highly.
Remember, when asked an unexpected or tricky question, your reaction is just as important as your response. Stay calm, smile, and show that you’re taking the question seriously. What you don’t want to say is, “I’ll think about it and get back to you,” as this can suggest avoidance rather than adaptability.
Conclusion
Facing an unexpected interview question can feel intimidating, but it’s also a chance to stand out. With practice, confidence, and a clear understanding of why these questions are asked, you can turn even the strangest question into a strong moment of connection.
About Agilus Work Solutions
Whether you’re preparing for your next interview or exploring new opportunities, our expert recruiters can help you shine.
At Agilus Work Solutions, we have been connecting talented job seekers with leading employers across Canada for nearly 50 years — helping you find not just a job, but the right fit.
Every year we place thousands of job seekers in Technology, Professional/Admin, Engineering, Trades/Technical Public Sector, and Light Industrial roles. With over80 recruiting consultants across Canada, we can help you find your next role or new career path with interview tools and resume support. For more information about Agilus, please follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and X.
FAQs
Q1: How do I prepare for unusual interview questions?
Practise talking about your experiences out loud — in front of a mirror or with a friend. This helps you become more comfortable thinking and speaking spontaneously.
Q2: . Are there wrong answers to unusual questions?
Not usually, unless your answer contradicts core job requirements or company values. The key is showing thoughtfulness and self-awareness.
Q3: What if the question feels inappropriate or uncomfortable?
You can respectfully redirect: “I’m not sure how that relates to the role, but here’s how I’d approach…” This keeps your response professional.
Q4: Are these types of questions common in Canada?
Yes, particularly in industries that value creativity, leadership, and problem-solving. Many employers in Canada use these questions to evaluate soft skills beyond your résumé.