If an interviewer asks where you see yourself in five years, chances are they’ll get a prepared response. While a common interview question like this gives employers vital information about a candidate, many interviewers are relying on uncommon questions to test a candidate’s ability to think on their feet.

For more insight into the abnormal interview questions employers are asking, Glassdoor combed through its data to come up with the some strange and offbeat interview questions employers are asking:

1. When a hot dog expands, in which direction does it split and why?
2. Would you rather fight 1 horse-sized duck, or 100 duck-sized horses?
3. If you’re the CEO, what are the first things you check about the business when you wake up?
4. What would the name of your debut album be?
5. How would you sell hot coco in Florida?
6. If I gave you $40,000 to start a business, what would you start?
7. What would you do if you found a penguin in the freezer?
8. If you were a brand, what would be your motto?
9. How many basketballs would fit in this room?
10. If you had $2,000, how would you double it in 24 hours?

Interviewers aren’t trying to trick you when they ask questions like this. Rather, they want to knock down your defenses to see how you handle something you aren’t prepared for. 

Some odd interview questions are designed to assess your problem-solving skills, like asking you how many basketballs would fit into the interview room. Others are asked to see if you would be a culture fit — for example, asking what three items you would bring if you were stranded on an island. 

There are no right or wrong answers to these types of questions. Employers simply want to see how you think on your feet. To help you answer odd interview questions, here are some tips:

Buy Time 

Instead of sitting in awkward silence, remark how interesting the question is. Repeating the question can buy you a few seconds as well. If the question is something like “What would you do if you found a penguin in the freezer?” ask for clarification with a question like “Do I have unlimited funds to move the penguin?”

Answer Confidently

Even though you may be unsure of your answer, remember, there is no right or wrong answer to these types of questions. Employers want to see that you can think quick, so don’t spend too much time agonizing over your answer. When you come up with something, answer confidently as if you were prepared for the question. 

Ask a Follow Up Question

These odd interview questions aren’t meant to be taken too seriously — chances are you won’t have to fight 100 duck-sized horses. Try to keep things light and ask a follow-up question like “How do you come up with a question like that?!” or “How did others in the company answer that question?” You may find out more about the people who work there and the company culture.

Are you ready to tackle the unexpected in an interview?

If you’re ready to start searching for your next career opportunity, contact Burchard & Associates. We help connect accounting and finance professionals with premier employers in the St. Louis area. Check out our available opportunities or contact us today to learn more.