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Job interviews can be stressful, but they don’t have to be boring! As a startup founder, you want to hire employees who are not only qualified but also have a good sense of humor and can think outside the box. One way to gauge a candidate’s creativity and problem-solving skills is by asking unexpected questions that show you their personality and values. Here are some fun and witty questions you can ask during a startup job interview:
1.If you could have any superpower, what would it be, and how would you use it to help us take over the world?
Why ask: This question is a great way to gauge a candidate’s creativity and problem-solving skills. It can also reveal their motivation and aspirations. By asking this question, you can see how the candidate approaches challenges and whether they’re willing to think outside the box.
How to evaluate: Look for candidates who give thoughtful and creative responses that show they’re excited about helping the company succeed. Their answer should also demonstrate that they understand the company’s goals and values.
2.If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only bring three items with you, what would they be, and why? (Don’t worry, we’re not planning to leave you on a deserted island, but we need to know you can think on your feet!)
Why ask: This question can reveal a candidate’s problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to new and unfamiliar situations. It can also give you insight into their priorities and values.
How to evaluate: Look for candidates who give practical and creative responses that show they can think on their feet. Their answer should also demonstrate that they can adapt to new situations and prioritize their needs effectively.
3.If you could go back in time and slap some sense into your past self, what would you say?
Why ask: This question can reveal a candidate’s self-awareness and willingness to learn from their mistakes. It can also give you insight into how the candidate approaches challenges and feedback.
How to evaluate: Look for candidates who give thoughtful and honest responses that show they’re willing to learn from their mistakes. Their answer should also demonstrate that they can take constructive criticism and feedback in a positive way.
4.If you could have any celebrity be your mentor, who would it be, and what advice would you ask for? (And no, it can’t be Elon Musk!)
Why ask: This question can reveal a candidate’s goals and aspirations, as well as their willingness to learn from successful people. It can also give you insight into what kind of industry or market the candidate is interested in.
How to evaluate: Look for candidates who give thoughtful and specific responses that show they’re willing to learn from successful people. Their answer should also demonstrate that they’re interested in growing and developing their skills in a particular area.
5.If you were a fruit, what fruit would you be, and why? (Hint: the answer is not “pineapple.”)
Why ask: This question can reveal a candidate’s personality and values. It can also give you insight into how the candidate thinks about their identity and how they relate to the world.
How to evaluate: Look for candidates who give creative and thoughtful responses that show they’re comfortable with their personality and values. Their answer should also demonstrate that they understand their own strengths and limitations.
6.If you were to write an autobiography, what would the title be, and why? (We promise not to steal your story!)
Why ask: This question can reveal a candidate’s self-awareness and creativity. It can also give you insight into what kind of story the candidate wants to tell about themselves.
How to evaluate: Look for candidates who give creative and engaging responses that show they have a strong sense of self and can communicate effectively. Their answer should also demonstrate that they understand their own life experiences and how they relate to their work and career.
7.If you could trade places with anyone in the world for a day, who would it be, and why? (And no, you can’t choose the president or Beyonce!)
Why ask: This question can reveal a candidate’s interests and aspirations. It can also give you insight into what kind of experiences the candidate values and wants to have.
How to evaluate: Look for candidates who give specific and thoughtful responses that show they have a genuine interest in different experiences and cultures. Their answer should also demonstrate that they’re open-minded and curious.
8.If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be, and why? (And no, “awesome” is not an option!)
Why ask: This question can reveal a candidate’s self-awareness and how they view themselves. It can also give you insight into what kind of personality the candidate has and whether they would be a good fit for your company culture.
How to evaluate: Look for candidates who give honest and specific responses that show they understand their own strengths and limitations. Their answer should also demonstrate that they understand the company’s culture and values.
9.If you could have any fictional character as your mentor, who would it be, and what lessons would you want to learn from them? (And no, Harry Potter doesn’t count!)
Why ask: This question can reveal a candidate’s creativity and problem-solving skills. It can also give you insight into what kind of role models and inspirations the candidate has.
How to evaluate: Look for candidates who give thoughtful and creative responses that show they can think outside the box. Their answer should also demonstrate that they’re interested in learning from different sources and perspectives.
10.If you were in a room with a time traveler from the future, what is the one question you would ask them, and why? (And no, you can’t ask for the lottery numbers!)
Why ask: This question can reveal a candidate’s curiosity and how they approach the unknown. It can also give you insight into what kind of ideas and questions the candidate wants to explore.
How to evaluate: Look for candidates who give specific and thoughtful responses that show they’re interested in different ideas and perspectives. Their answer should also demonstrate that they’re willing to take risks and think creatively.
Conclusion
By asking unexpected questions like these, you can gain valuable insight into a candidate’s personality, values, and problem-solving skills. Plus, it’s a fun way to break the ice and show off your company’s culture!
So why not try incorporating some of these questions into your next startup job interview? Who knows, you might find the next member of your team! And if you have any other creative and unexpected interview questions that have worked for you in the past, feel free to share them in the comments below. Happy hiring!
