From Pizza Toppings to Power Moves: Flipping the Script on Interview Questions

Amir Tabch

Rethinking Interview Questions: A Fun Take on a Serious Matter

Let's face it, we've all been there—sitting nervously in an interview room—when suddenly the interviewer asks, "If you were a pizza topping, which one would you be?" It's in these surreal moments that you might wonder if you accidentally walked into an audition for a reality show instead of a job interview. Yes, you read that right, and no, this isn't the first time I’m talking about it. In fact, it's the third time, and maybe, just maybe, the nonsense will stop. Yesterday, one of my mentees told me he was asked this ridiculous question in an interview and didn't know how to answer. So, here we go again, on a mission to put an end to the reign of stupid interview questions!

While these quirky questions might seem like a break from the norm, they often miss the mark. They're like using a fork to eat soup—amusingly ineffective. Research in qualitative interviewing stresses the importance of crafting questions that align with the objectives of the interview and the cultural and educational backgrounds of the respondents.

In an age where talent acquisition is crucial for business success, why waste valuable interview time on questions like, "If you were a dessert, what would you be?" It's not only absurd but also counterproductive. Sure, it might bring a chuckle, but what does it tell the interviewer about your qualifications, experience, or potential to excel in the role? Not much, I'd wager.

Effective questions are like keys unlocking the treasure trove of a candidate's potential. They delve into experiences, skills, and the ability to solve real-world problems. When an interviewer asks, "Tell me about a time you overcame a challenge at work," they're not just making conversation; they're mining for gold in the form of your problem-solving skills.

These questions aren't meant to stump you or make you feel like you're auditioning for a comedy club. They're meant to assess your suitability for the job, and for employers, that's a serious matter. In fact, a study by LinkedIn found that 59% of hiring managers believe that soft skills, like problem-solving and adaptability, are more important than hard skills. So why waste time on questions that don't even scratch the surface of a candidate's abilities?

So why do interviewers ask if you'd rather fight one horse-sized duck or a hundred duck-sized horses? Maybe it's a test of your creative thinking or perhaps they're just seeing if you can handle curveballs. But let's be honest, it's probably because they read an article titled "10 Fun Interview Questions to Shake Things Up!" And who can blame them? The internet is filled with such tantalizing clickbait.

But let's not forget that interviews are high-stakes situations. It's not a game show; it's a crucial step in determining someone's livelihood and career path. The pressure is real, and candidates deserve a fair shot at showcasing their abilities without having to contemplate the existential implications of being a pizza topping.

Instead of throwing in a nonsensical question for the sake of being quirky, interviewers could focus on what really matters. For instance, "How do your skills align with our company's values?" Now that's a question that serves a purpose! It allows candidates to demonstrate their understanding of the company's mission and culture while showcasing their qualifications.

Furthermore, behavioral questions that probe into a candidate's past experiences and their ability to handle real-world challenges provide invaluable insights. Questions like, "Can you give me an example of a time when you had to meet a tight deadline and how you managed it?" are far more telling than asking someone to identify as a condiment.

In the end, it's all about finding the right fit—for both the employer and the candidate. So, let's leave the "What kind of vegetable would you be?" questions for dinner party icebreakers and focus on what truly matters in the interview room. Let's ask questions that allow candidates to shine, showcase their skills, and demonstrate their potential to contribute meaningfully to the organization. It's time to put an end to the era of absurd interview questions and usher in a new age of thoughtful, purposeful interviews. After all, the future of your business might just depend on it.