We asked Alumni: What experiences have you had with surprising interview questions?
Here is what they shared:
- Zappos’ Culture Fit Interview Question
- Game Preference as Leadership Indicator
- Unconventional Question Tests Critical Thinking
Culture Fit Interview Question
Zappos is renowned for its culture. There are two interviews in the hiring process for a job at Zappos. First, there is a technical interview (or more than one) that covers your skills and match for the position. If you pass this interview there is a culture interview, where you are judged as a match for the company. Even if you pass the technical with flying colors, the culture interview can end your chances. It is conducted by a separate team in charge of culture. The question that stood out to me from that interview was:
“What team-building game would you pick to play with your team?”
I answered Pictophone – a game of fun but also with illustrative points about communication and its challenges. I got the job! And then during onboarding, it was a game chosen to play with my onboarding class of 52 people. Not only was it fun, but it showed me that you can create special moments for employees right from the start.
Dustin Sitar, MBA Finance ‘19, Managing Editor, thegroomclub.com
Game Preference as Leadership Indicator
In my experience you should be prepared for anything and everything when stepping into an interview. This mindset served me well when I went into an interview right out of college and the interviewer asked me, “Am I someone who prefers to play a game or am I someone who likes to watch a game?”
As a leader, I understand why that question was asked. Candidates who answer that they prefer to play a game are looked at as more aggressive in a go-getter way. They tend to be more assertive and better candidates for leadership roles. Candidates who prefer to watch a game tend to be more analytical. They strategize before making a decision, and they know how to multitask efficiently. These are desirable qualities in a candidate.
When I first started my career, I answered that I like to watch games. Over time, I discovered that I like to play games. As such, I want to know the characteristics of my new hires and I have incorporated that question into my own interviews because of that.
Alex Ebner, BS Marketing ‘04, Owner, Ace Medical
Unconventional Question Tests Critical Thinking
During an interview with a prominent tech firm, I was taken aback by an unexpected question. The interviewer, after discussing my professional experiences, suddenly inquired, “If you could be any historical figure for a day, who would it be and why?”
At first, I was puzzled, trying to figure out the relevance of this question in the context of the role I was applying for. I chose Leonardo da Vinci, citing his insatiable curiosity and interdisciplinary knowledge, drawing parallels between his thirst for innovation and the ethos of the tech company.
The interviewer appreciated the response, explaining that they often include unconventional questions to gauge a candidate’s critical-thinking skills and get a glimpse into their personality. This experience was a reminder that sometimes interviews can venture beyond the conventional and test more than just job-related competencies.
Joe Forte, BIS Small Business & Communications ‘10, Co-Founder, D-MAK Productions
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