What would it take to shake you up in a job interview?

Whatever it is, it could be coming your way next time.

“As firms involve more people in the hiring process to get a clearer snapshot of a candidate’s abilities and personality, some unexpected questions are bound to emerge and surprise even the most well-prepared candidate,” said Liz Hughes, vice-president of OfficeTeam, a staffing service specializing in administrative professionals.

The company recently asked 150 executives what were the strangest questions they had been asked in job interviews. Their experience included human resources, finance, marketing, information technology and operations departments.

Interviewers may break the ice with questions such as:

* What’s your favourite colour?

* If you could be any animal, what would you be?

* If you were having a dinner party and could invite three famous people, who would they be?

Hughes noted that the interviewer is interested in the “why” behind the applicant’s answer because it often sheds light on his or her personality.

“The reason given for citing a particular book or dinner guest, for instance, could prompt conversation that a resume or skills-based interview question alone would not.”

Other questions may reveal a job candidate’s aspirations:

* What did you want to be when you were 10 years old?

* What classes did you like in high school?

* Do you see yourself in my position in the future?

With these questions, hiring managers aim to understand the applicant’s goals and ambitions over time.

Hughes offered the following example: “If someone wanted to be a lawyer in high school, but opted for a career in sales, what led to the change?”

The hiring manager also wants to find out how quickly the candidate expects to advance in the organization, and the importance he or she assigns to rank and title.

The last set of unusual questions executives were asked seems to defy classification:

* Why are manhole covers round?

* What would I find in your refrigerator?

* Do you have air conditioning at home?

* How will taking this job change your life?

* What made you move to a backward city like this one?

Hughes said the manager might be using an unexpected question to get a candid, unrehearsed response. “As a bonus, the hiring manager will get a better sense of the person’s sense of humour and ability to think quickly.”

To prepare for surprises, Hughes suggested asking others about the strangest questions they were asked in an interview, how they responded to them and what they would do differently. The point is not to prepare for every question but to practise thinking on your feet.

Ask for clarification if you don’t understand a question and don’t let nerves get the best of you.