5 Really Stupid Questions from Interviewers

5 Really Stupid Questions from Interviewers5 Stupid Questions from Interviewers5 Really Stupid Questions from InterviewersInterviewers often struggle with what questions to ask job candidates as they try to rapidly understand the skill sets and work styles of applicants they have just met. Its bedrngnis easy to predict someones future job performance in a 45-minute interview. Hiring managers need specific information about the candidates talents, but they often dont know how to conduct aninterview or what to ask.Some interviewers are very skilled and well trained, but the vast majority are not. This results in some fairly creative, yet rather stupid, interview questions.Heres a list of five really stupid questions from interviewers and how you can handle them1.If you could be any type of Muppet character, which one would you be?(Variations of this type of question include What is your favorite color? Favorite TV show? Animal? etc.)The interviewer is under the illusion that he or she can gain insight into your personality by asking a question like this. Whatever your answer is, be koranvers to explain the reasons why you like a particular Muppet, TV show, color, or animal the best. Highlight the qualities that support your answer. Do not leave it up to the interviewer to interpret your answer. Use the question to communicate the talents and qualities you feel best represent your abilities for the position.If you dont have a response, just ask the interviewer the following. Thats an interesting question. Why do you ask? Your intent with this response is to modify the focus of the conversation and steer it back toward things that are relevant to the jobyour experience and talents.2.How many gas stations are in the USA?(Similar question How many airplanes are in the skies over the USA?)The intent of this question is to binnensee how you approach solving a problem, not if you know some obscure bit of trivia.In reality, theres no way to know for certain whether a cal culation is accurate or not.The interviewer is looking to have you think through - aloud - your approach to solving the problem.One approach to solving this problem goes like this To begin, we could look up the total membership list for professional associations of gas station owners.We could also estimate the number of gas stations by researching gasoline sales tax filings for every state.Gas stations are also under the control of the Department of Environmental Protection and most likely have to file an annual report of the condition of this gasoline storage tanks. We could research these figures by state or at the federal level.If you get stuck, just say, as in the question above Thats an interesting question. Why do you ask? While this may help steer the focus of the interview back to your experience and talents, it can also give you a little time to formulate your response.3.Where do you see yourself in five years?This dumb question falls into the same category as What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses? What would your boss say about you? Even though these questions are frequently asked, it doesnt make them any less irrelevant.Such questions have no value in predicting future job performance. Interviewers really dont want the truth theyre only interested in seeing how you respond.They really want to hear that youre committed to your career, constantly improving your value to the organization and seeking to do an excellent job in whatever role youre assigned. They dont really want to hear about your personal goals or aspirations beyond the open position for which youre being interviewed. Of these five stupid interview questions, this one is the most likely to be asked. And lets face it How many people can see how their lives are going to turn out five years into the future?4.How does your family or partner feel about you working long hours?This question is not only a stupid one to ask, its illegal. It suggests the interviewer is trying to learn whether or not youre married or have a family.This information is irrelevant to the positions qualifications, but the interviewers intent may be simpler He or she may be trying to find out how supportive your family is of your working, or how flexible you can be with long working hours. Regardless, if you hear this question, use your response to communicate your work ethic and flexibility to achieve desired outcomes.5.Why are manhole covers round?This really stupid interview question was made famous by some knuckleheads at Microsoft. They somehow believed that a candidates response indicated something about them. If youd like to blow the interviewers mind, you could approach the problem like a physicist as described on the HEBIG.Org blog, or one of the writers from Seinfeld. You can just hear the bass riff as you read itThe key to answering a stupid interview question is to relate itdirectly to your experience, talents, and anything having to do with the job and working for the orga nization.