Interview Questions from Hell

There have been a lot of articles in recent months about the crazy interview questions that are lobbed at job candidates who have the good fortune to have an audience with Google. 

http://snipurl.com/tz6vp (Courtesy of the Business Insider)

Companies come up with interview questions for different reasons. Some want to know more about you. Some want to know how much you know about a work-related issue.  And then there are rare companies like Google, that ask “outside the box” or brainteaser questions that seemingly have nothing to do with the job. A lot of people hate these questions. I think they’re great.

Tricky or inscrutable questions are a way for employers to get an insight into the way you think.  (Or that you know how to think in the first place.) Often there isn’t a “right” answer. Hiring Managers are looking for creative and analytical employee. They want you to talk through how you would solve the problem. They’ll take note of the way you break down the issue.

Unusual questions can be a test to see how you handle stress too.  As a Hiring Manager, I might want to see if you have good coping skills, or if you react negatively to a tough situation.  There may not be a right answer and I’m checking to see how you handle that. Here’s a chance for you to prove yourself unflappable. If you get a crazy question from out of left field, don’t panic! Take a moment. Smile. Think. Give it your best shot.