Seven Fiendishly Clever Interview Questions
Job interviews can be tricky. Now imagine sitting across the table from some of the smartest people in business as they ask you a very tough question.
Facebook’s global head of recruiting Miranda Kalinowski is well known for her clever go-to question.
But she’s not the only one. Here are seven fiendishly clever interview questions:
Tell me something that’s true, that almost nobody agrees with you on.
Peter Thiel, legendary venture capitalist and part of the PayPal “mafia” asks this tricky question in job interviews and to companies looking for VC funding. For Thiel, who was an early investor in Facebook, this pushes people to have some courage in what they say, and tests how they handle a tough situation with originality.
What was the last costume you wore?
This question comes from stylish online eyewear makers Warby Parker. CEO David Gilboa says that question lets them find out if a candidate has a fun and quirky persona that matches the company’s values.
On a scale of one to 10, how weird are you?
Zappos, the online shoe store now owned by Amazon, helped build its brand by having a culture that embraced fun and weirdness. But not too much weirdness. Zappos’ CEO Tony Hsieh says the question helps them find people that fit their culture, but aren’t too straight-laced.
What would someone who doesn’t like you say about you?
American General Stanley McChrystal now runs a management consulting firm. His question is another tricky one as a false answer shows a lack of humility and self-awareness, while a truthful answer forces the interviewee to acknowledge a weakness they may not be comfortable with.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Stewart Butterfield, the Canadian CEO of Slack and a founder of Flickr, says this question probes what people still want to achieve and how they plan to do it. It’s a question we’re often asked as kids, but perhaps it’s more poignant as an adult.
You are standing on the surface of the Earth. You walk one mile south, one mile west, and one mile north. You end up exactly where you started. Where are you?
Maybe you won’t find it surprising to learn that this question is from your favourite real-life Tony Stark, the one and only Elon Musk. He’s founded PayPal, Tesla, Space X and is the father of the hyperloop. The man knows smart. Of course this question is a riddle – here’s a tip on how to answer it if you happen to be being interviewed by Musk.
H/T Business Insider