5 unexpected interview questions and how to answer them correctly

During interviews, candidates may face a variety of questions, including unexpected ones. Preparation for such moments can significantly increase the chances of a successful interview. In this article, we will discuss five unexpected interview questions and explain how to answer them correctly.

1. "If you were a fruit, what fruit would you be, and why?"

This question may seem strange, but an employer may ask it to assess your creativity, self-analysis skills, and sense of humor.

• Pay attention to the qualities of the chosen fruit and their associations with your personality traits.
• Focus on qualities that may be useful in a work context.
• Support your choice with examples from your experience.

Example: "If I were a fruit, I would probably choose an orange. Like an orange, I strive to be energetic and refreshing in my work. My goal is to bring brightness and innovation to projects, just as citrus fruits do with everyday nutrition."

2. "Describe a situation when you made a mistake. How did you correct it?"

This question is aimed at evaluating your ability for self-criticism, analyzing mistakes, and learning from them.

• Avoid the idea that you have never made mistakes.
• Describe a specific situation, analyze the reasons and consequences.
• Share the lessons you learned and how you changed your behavior in the future.

Example: "Once I made an error in estimating project deadlines, which led to its delay. I analyzed the reasons, identified my planning mistakes, and implemented a new deadline monitoring system, which helped avoid similar situations in subsequent projects."

3. "What book have you recently read and what lessons did you learn from it?"

This question will help the employer understand your interests, ability for self-improvement, and information analysis skills.

• Choose a book related to your professional field.
• Highlight the main ideas or lessons that inspired you or changed your perspective on certain aspects of work.
• Show how you plan to apply the knowledge gained in practice.

Example: "Recently, I read the book 'In Search of Truth' about methods for solving complex problems. It taught me to approach tasks more systematically and creatively, which helped me find new approaches to solving current projects."

4. "How would you explain blockchain technology to your grandmother?"

This question assesses your ability to simplify complex concepts and communicate with people who do not have a technical background.

• Use simple language and analogies from everyday life.
• Highlight the key principles of the technology, avoiding technical terms.
• Ensure that your explanation is clear and accessible to a wide audience.

Example: "Blockchain is like a notebook where everyone writes information, and no one can erase or change the record. This way, all data remains transparent and reliable, making blockchain technology useful for secure information storage."

5. "How would you define the concept of 'success'?"

This question allows the employer to understand your values, motivation, and perception of goal achievement.

• Determine what success means to you in your career and life in general.
• Explain the principles and values that underlie your understanding of success.
• Provide examples of how you strive for success in your life and work.

Example: "For me, success is not only achieving set goals, but also a process of self-development, participation in interesting projects, and influencing others. I believe true success is when you do what you love and contribute to society."

It is important to remember that unexpected interview questions can be a tool to assess unconventional thinking, communication skills, and self-analysis ability. Preparation in advance, as well as a calm and confident response to such questions, can make your interview more successful and memorable for the employer.