Do interviewers ask SIQs (Stupid Interview Questions)?

A friend complained "They ask the most Stupid Interview Questions (SIQ) which have nothing to do with the job. Like "How many cows are in Canada?"

Who asked that question? Google.

Yes, some of the finest companies in the world ask the wackiest questions. Consulting firm, Bain, asked candidates to estimate the number of windows in New York and those seeking a job in Amazon has to deal with this scenario- "If Jeff Bezos walked into your office and offered you a million dollars to launch your best entrepreneurial idea, what would it be?" There is a legitimate intent in asking these questions. The questions are designed to give candidates an opportunity to demonstrate their thought process, communicate their values, show their character, and display how they perform under pressure.

Many applicants though are subject to more conventional questions. A favorite is "What's your biggest weakness?" I've waited for someone to give an honest answer but instead I get the usual "I am too much of a perfectionist." Can you blame them? They are trying to get a job, not pass an honesty test.

So we know interviewers ask wacky questions for a purpose. But what if an interviewer ask a Stupid Interview Question? Well, and remember this well, there is no such thing as a SIQ. Why? Because any question asked by the interviewer is an opportunity for you to show why YOU are the best candidate for the job. Get it?

And you can increase your chance of doing this significantly by being prepared. Here is how you do it:

1. The first question you must know inside-out is “Why am I the best candidate for this job?”
2. Prepare a list of possible questions likely to be asked and the answers.
3. Practice answering these questions including role-playing with a friend.
4. Put together a few workplace experiences and stories that describe your accomplishments and/or show how you dealt with difficult situations.
5. What to do if you don't know how to answer a question? Key is to stay calm and show why they should still hire you. So count to 5 before answering. Here's one possible response, "I wish I did, but I don't know the answer. I’ve always wanted to know more about this subject and I will do the research to find out the answer and send it over to you if that's OK."

So prepare well and hope the interviewer ask many questions. That means you get many opportunities to convince the interviewer that you are the ONE. Good luck!