Top 10 Creative Interview Questions: What To Expect And How To Prepare

When you walk into an interview, you’re often expecting the usual questions like “Tell me about yourself” or “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” However, many employers like to ask creative interview questions. These questions are designed to see how well you think on your feet and how creative or resourceful you can be. While these questions can be tricky, knowing how to handle them can help you stand out as a candidate.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into these interview questions, how to answer them and provide sample answers to guide you. We’ll also share tips on how to stay calm and composed when facing unexpected questions. Let’s start by understanding why employers ask these questions and how they can help you shine.

Why Do Employers Ask These Interview Questions?

These interview questions help employers learn more about how candidates think, solve problems, and approach challenges. These questions also give employers a peek into a candidate’s personality, sense of humor, and how they respond under pressure. Sometimes, these questions don’t even have a “right” answer; they’re designed to test your reasoning and creativity.

Top 10 Creative Questions For Interview And How To Answer Them

These interview questions can be tricky, but they help show how you think and solve problems. In this guide, you’ll learn about the top 10 creative questions employers ask and how to answer them confidently. With the right approach, you can impress the interviewer and stand out!

1. “Suppose You Were An Animal, What Animal Would You Like To Be And Also, Why?”

Hints: This question tests how well you can connect personal traits with the qualities of an animal. Choose an animal that reflects qualities you have or that align with the job you’re applying for. Explain your choice with a focus on strengths.

Example Answer: “I would like to be a dolphin because they are intelligent, work well in teams, and communicate effectively. These are all skills I use in my work.”

2. “How Would You Sell Ice To An Eskimo?”

Hints: This question is about your persuasion and communication skills. Focus on explaining the benefits of your product in a new, creative way that addresses the Eskimo’s needs.

Example Answer: “I would highlight how the ice I’m selling is different – it’s perfectly shaped for building structures or it lasts longer. I would focus on how my product could save them time and effort.”

3. “Suppose You Could Have Any Superpower, What Would It Be?”

Hints: This question gives insight into your values and how you approach challenges. Choose a superpower that aligns with skills relevant to the job and explain why it would help you succeed.

Example Answer: “I’d choose the ability to learn anything instantly. In a fast-paced work environment, being able to quickly absorb information and adapt would be incredibly valuable.”

4. “How Would You Solve A Problem Like World Hunger?”

Hints: This question is meant to test your problem-solving abilities on a big scale. Break the problem down and show a logical, thoughtful approach. You don’t need to solve the problem entirely, but show how you think.

Example Answer: “First, I’d focus on sustainable farming practices and access to education about nutrition. Then, I’d work on creating global partnerships to share resources and reduce waste.”

5. “If You Were Stranded On A Deserted Island, What Three Things Would You Want With You?”

Hints: This question tests your priorities and problem-solving under pressure. Choose items that demonstrate practical thinking and creativity.

Example Answer: “I’d bring a water purifier for survival, a sturdy knife for building and protection, and a satellite phone to call for help.”

6. “What Would You Do If You Found A Penguin In The Freezer?”

Hints: This is a fun question meant to see how you react to unexpected situations. Show that you can stay calm, think quickly, and respond with a mix of logic and creativity.

Example Answer: “I’d first check whether it was hurt or needed help. Then, I’d probably call animal control to make sure it’s safely returned to its natural environment.”

7. “How Would You Describe The Color Yellow To Someone Who’s Blind?”

Hints: This tests your ability to communicate abstract concepts clearly. Use emotions and sensory descriptions to explain the concept in a way that someone who can’t see could understand.

Example Answer: “I’d say yellow feels like warmth on your skin from the sun, or the excitement you feel when something good happens. It’s bright, cheerful, and energetic.”

8. “If You Had A Time Machine, What Time Period Would You Visit And Why?”

Hints: This question helps reveal your interests and how you think about the world. Choose a time period that reflects your curiosity or values and explain what you hope to learn or accomplish.

Example Answer: “I’d go to the early 1900s, during the industrial revolution. I’d want to see how innovation was changing the world and what lessons could be applied to today’s challenges.”

9. “Suppose You Can Invite 3 People, Dead Or Alive, To A Dinner Party, Who Would They Be?”

Hints: This tests your cultural knowledge, personal interests, and social preferences. Choose people who reflect your values or interests and explain how their perspectives would contribute to an interesting conversation.

Example Answer: “I’d invite Albert Einstein, due to his incredible mind; Maya Angelou, for her wisdom and perspective on life; and Malala Yousafzai, for her courage and activism in education.”

10. “What Would You Do If You Were The Only Survivor Of A Plane Crash?”

Hints: This question looks at your survival instincts and ability to stay calm under pressure. Focus on staying calm, creating a plan, and finding a way to survive or get help.

Example Answer: “First, I’d check my surroundings for any possible dangers. Then, I’d try to find supplies and start working on signaling for help, like creating a large fire or using any technology that survived the crash.”

Tips For Answering These Interview Questions

These interview questions can seem tricky. Still, they are a great way to show how you think and solve problems. These questions test your creativity and how well you handle surprises. With the right tips, you can answer them confidently and impress the interviewer. Let’s learn them here.

• Stay Calm: When you hear a creative question, don’t panic. Take a deep breath, pause for a moment, and then start your answer.
• Be Yourself: Employers want to get to know your personality, so it’s important to stay genuine. Don’t try to give an answer just because you think it’s what they want to hear. Let your answer reflect your true thoughts and values.
• Show How You Think: Many of these interview questions don’t have a right or wrong answer. What matters more is how you approach the question. Be sure to explain your reasoning clearly.
• Use Humor, If Appropriate: Some questions, like the penguin in the freezer, allow for a little humor. When it fits your personality, don’t be afraid to show a lighthearted side, but be sure to stay professional.
• Connect Your Answer To The Job: Whenever possible, try to connect your answer back to qualities or skills that are important for the job. For example, when the question is about teamwork, emphasize your ability to collaborate.

FAQs

Conclusion

Creative interview questions can be both fun and challenging, but they’re a great opportunity to show off your personality, problem-solving skills, and creativity. By preparing for these kinds of questions, you’ll be ready to think on your feet and impress your interviewer. 

Remember to stay calm, be yourself, and use these questions as a way to demonstrate how you think and what makes you unique. With the right approach, you can turn even the most unexpected question into a moment that sets you apart from other candidates.