The secret to acing any job interview is preparation.
But what if you get a curveball question?
The key is to:
↳Stay calm - these are hard for everyone
↳Take your time - pauses show thoughtfulness
↳Don't overthink - they're more about the process than the answer
↳And prepare ahead of time
WAIT, how do you prepare for a question that is by definition unexpected!?
These 12 cover the main types of curveballs,
And give you 12 opportunities to practice thinking on your feet:
[More details on the graphic]
1) What superpower would you love to have?
↳Tip: This is testing creativity and fast thinking
↳Answer: Pick one where the explanation ties back to work
2) Sell me this pen
↳Tip: This is sales 101, but it's asked outside sales roles
↳Answer: Don't start by touting the virtues - start by asking questions
3) How many golf balls fit on an airplane?
↳Tip: Tests on-the-spot critical thinking
↳Answer: Make simple guesses and work through it out loud
4) What was the last book you read?
↳Tip: Trying to get to know you better
↳Answer: Own it and explain
5) Does your boss know where you are right now?
↳Tip: Testing your transparency - just be honest
↳Answer: If so, let them know your boss is supportive; if not, explain why
6) What do you like doing outside of work?
↳Tip: Trying to understand you as a person - don't overthink it
↳Answer: Highlight something you love, so you light up when you talk about it
7) If you could have lunch with anyone in the world, who would it be?
↳Tip: Understand you through your role models
↳Answer: Ideal is a superstar in your space who you could learn from
8) Is there anything about our company that concerns you?
↳Tip: Testing your honesty and diplomacy
↳Answer: If you have minor concerns, ask non-judgmental questions about them
9) Would you rather finish a project perfect and late or decent and on time?
↳Tip: Assessing balance of action-oriented and reliable with attention to detail
↳Answer: Tell a story about a time you met a quick deadline by prioritizing and acting fast while still delivering a solid product
10) Your boss asks you to do something that compromises your principles - would you?
↳Tip: For ethical questions, the answer is often easy - the explanation is key
↳Answer: Tell a story about a time you faced an ethical dilemma and use it to show that you always make the high-integrity decision
11) Would you rather be liked or feared?
↳Tip: For questions with two bad answers, reframe them
↳Answer: Choose a strength you WOULD like to be known for and tell a story of when you exemplified it
12) What is your spirit animal?
↳Tip: Light-hearted way of understanding you as a person
↳Answer: Pick one that matches your strengths
With practice, even curveball questions can become ones you get excited about, rather than dread.
But what if you get a curveball question?
The key is to:
↳Stay calm - these are hard for everyone
↳Take your time - pauses show thoughtfulness
↳Don't overthink - they're more about the process than the answer
↳And prepare ahead of time
WAIT, how do you prepare for a question that is by definition unexpected!?
These 12 cover the main types of curveballs,
And give you 12 opportunities to practice thinking on your feet:
[More details on the graphic]
1) What superpower would you love to have?
↳Tip: This is testing creativity and fast thinking
↳Answer: Pick one where the explanation ties back to work
2) Sell me this pen
↳Tip: This is sales 101, but it's asked outside sales roles
↳Answer: Don't start by touting the virtues - start by asking questions
3) How many golf balls fit on an airplane?
↳Tip: Tests on-the-spot critical thinking
↳Answer: Make simple guesses and work through it out loud
4) What was the last book you read?
↳Tip: Trying to get to know you better
↳Answer: Own it and explain
5) Does your boss know where you are right now?
↳Tip: Testing your transparency - just be honest
↳Answer: If so, let them know your boss is supportive; if not, explain why
6) What do you like doing outside of work?
↳Tip: Trying to understand you as a person - don't overthink it
↳Answer: Highlight something you love, so you light up when you talk about it
7) If you could have lunch with anyone in the world, who would it be?
↳Tip: Understand you through your role models
↳Answer: Ideal is a superstar in your space who you could learn from
8) Is there anything about our company that concerns you?
↳Tip: Testing your honesty and diplomacy
↳Answer: If you have minor concerns, ask non-judgmental questions about them
9) Would you rather finish a project perfect and late or decent and on time?
↳Tip: Assessing balance of action-oriented and reliable with attention to detail
↳Answer: Tell a story about a time you met a quick deadline by prioritizing and acting fast while still delivering a solid product
10) Your boss asks you to do something that compromises your principles - would you?
↳Tip: For ethical questions, the answer is often easy - the explanation is key
↳Answer: Tell a story about a time you faced an ethical dilemma and use it to show that you always make the high-integrity decision
11) Would you rather be liked or feared?
↳Tip: For questions with two bad answers, reframe them
↳Answer: Choose a strength you WOULD like to be known for and tell a story of when you exemplified it
12) What is your spirit animal?
↳Tip: Light-hearted way of understanding you as a person
↳Answer: Pick one that matches your strengths
With practice, even curveball questions can become ones you get excited about, rather than dread.
You
should Trade Less But Trade Accurately & this is Achieved with our Tip.
