5 Unique Interview Questions to Ask Candidates
Last month, I interviewed a candidate who had perfect answers to all the standard questions – almost too perfect. Then I asked, “If you could design a new holiday, what would it be and why?” Their spontaneous, thoughtful response revealed more about their creativity and values than an hour of traditional questions. That’s the power of unique interview questions.
Why Traditional Questions Aren’t Enough
The 5 Game-Changing Questions
1. The Time Machine Question
Q: “If you could go back five years and give yourself career advice, what would it be?”
What it Reveals:
- Self-awareness
- Growth mindset
- Career clarity
- Learning ability
- Professional maturity
Strong Answer Indicators:
- Specific insights
- Actionable advice
- Personal growth focus
- Professional development
- Honest reflection
2. The Desert Island Skills Question
Q: “You’re starting a company on a desert island. What three professionals do you hire first and why?”
What it Reveals:
- Strategic thinking
- Team building
- Priority setting
- Resource management
- Leadership perspective
3. The Innovation Challenge
Q: “What’s the most outdated practice in our industry, and how would you change it?”
What it Reveals:
- Industry knowledge
- Forward thinking
- Problem-solving
- Change management
- Initiative
4. The Culture Question
Q: “What would your perfect workday playlist include, and why?”
What it Reveals:
- Personality insights
- Cultural fit
- Work style
- Energy level
- Team compatibility
5. The Problem-Solving Scenario
Q: “You’re given unlimited resources but only 24 hours to make a lasting positive impact. What do you do?”
What it Reveals:
- Values alignment
- Decision-making
- Resource allocation
- Time management
- Impact focus
How to Evaluate Responses
Assessment Framework
| Aspect | What to Look For | Red Flags |
|---|---|---|
| Authenticity | Genuine reflection | Canned responses |
| Clarity | Clear thinking | Vague answers |
| Creativity | Original ideas | Safe platitudes |
| Depth | Thoughtful analysis | Surface responses |
| Values | Personal insight | Generic statements |
Implementation Strategy
1. Question Timing
- Start with traditional questions
- Mix in unique questions
- End with reflection
- Allow thinking time
- Follow up thoughtfully
2. Response Analysis
- Listen actively
- Note reactions
- Observe body language
- Track themes
- Compare candidates
Industry-Specific Adaptations
Technology
- Innovation focus
- Technical creativity
- Problem-solving
- Future vision
- Learning agility
Sales
- Customer scenarios
- Competitive insights
- Market challenges
- Revenue growth
- Client relationships
Leadership
- Team dynamics
- Strategic thinking
- Change management
- Vision setting
- People development
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t:
- Ask Gimmicky Questions
- No Brain Teasers: While they may seem engaging, brain teasers can often confuse or frustrate individuals, leading to an unproductive dialogue.
- Skip Riddles: Riddles can come off as trivial and may not provide any meaningful insight into a person’s capabilities or thought processes.
- Avoid Trick Questions: Trick questions can create an atmosphere of distrust and discomfort, which is counterproductive in a professional setting.
Stay Professional: Always aim to keep the conversation focused on relevant topics that pertain to the job or the task at hand.
Keep it Relevant: Ensure that your questions and discussions are directly related to the objectives of the meeting or interview.
- Push Too Far
Respect Boundaries: Be mindful of personal space and the comfort levels of others. Avoid delving into topics that may be too personal or sensitive.
Maintain Professionalism: Keep the conversation professional and focused on work-related matters to ensure a respectful environment.
Consider Comfort: Always gauge the comfort level of the person you are interacting with. If they seem uneasy, it’s best to change the subject or approach.
Stay Job-Related: Keep discussions centered around the job or project to maintain relevance and professionalism.
Keep Time Reasonable: Be considerate of the time you are taking in discussions. Long-winded questions or conversations can lead to disengagement.
Best Practices
1. Preparation
- Customize questions
- Plan follow-ups
- Consider context
- Practice delivery
- Review legality
2. Delivery
- Set expectations
- Provide context
- Allow reflection
- Listen actively
- Take notes
3. Evaluation
- Compare responses
- Look for patterns
- Consider culture fit
- Check team alignment
- Document insights
Conclusion
Unique interview questions can reveal candidate qualities that standard questions miss. The key is asking questions that are both creative and relevant, then listening carefully to what the answers reveal about the candidate’s thinking, values, and potential.
Ready to transform your interviews? Download our complete guide with 50 more unique questions and evaluation frameworks.
