“Tell me something about yourself that isn’t on your résumé.”
“If you were an animal, which one would you be and why?”
Sounds strange, right? Yet these are exactly the kind of unique interview questions that companies love to ask. They’re designed to push you out of your rehearsed answers, test how you think on your feet, and reveal more about your personality.
While you can prepare for common questions like “Why should we hire you?” or “Where do you see yourself in five years?”, these unusual curveballs often leave candidates stumped.
But here’s the secret: you can prepare for them, too.
In this article, we’ll explore 10 unique interview questions that hiring managers often use, why they ask them, and how you can craft thoughtful answers that make you stand out. By the end, you won’t just be prepared—you’ll be confident.
Why Employers Ask Unique Interview Questions
You might wonder: Why not just stick to the standard questions?
Here’s why employers mix things up:
- To see how you think under pressure. Unique questions are less about the “right” answer and more about your thought process.
- To reveal your personality. Quirky or unusual questions strip away rehearsed responses and showcase the real you.
- To assess creativity and problem-solving. Sometimes the question is a puzzle, and your approach says more than the answer itself.
- To test cultural fit. Some companies pride themselves on creativity, curiosity, or adaptability—and these questions help them spot it.
In other words: unique interview questions are less about facts and more about character.
10 Unique Interview Questions (and How to Answer Them)
1. “If you could have dinner with anyone—dead or alive—who would it be and why?”
This is a personality test in disguise. The interviewer isn’t really interested in who you’d choose, but in what your answer says about you.
👉 How to answer: Pick someone who genuinely inspires you, and tie it back to qualities relevant to the role—leadership, resilience, creativity, etc.
Example:
“I’d choose Marie Curie because of her groundbreaking scientific work and perseverance in a male-dominated field. It shows me the power of persistence and curiosity—two qualities I bring to my work.”
2. “Describe yourself in three words.”
This is trickier than it looks. The interviewer wants a concise self-assessment that reflects both self-awareness and confidence.
👉 How to answer: Choose words that align with the job requirements and back them up with short examples.
Example:
“Adaptable, collaborative, and curious. In my last role, I quickly took on new responsibilities, thrived in cross-functional projects, and constantly sought opportunities to learn.”
3. “If you were an animal, which one would you be and why?”
It sounds silly, but it’s actually a test of creativity and quick thinking.
👉 How to answer: Choose an animal that reflects professional strengths without sounding cliché. Avoid saying “lion” or “eagle” unless you can explain uniquely.
Example:
“I’d be a border collie. They’re hardworking, intelligent, and thrive in team environments—which is how I approach my work.”
4. “What’s the most challenging problem you’ve solved in the past year?”
This is an opportunity to showcase problem-solving and resilience.
👉 How to answer: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Keep it specific and highlight how your actions created impact.
Example:
“In my last role, we faced a sudden 30% budget cut on a project. I reorganized resources, negotiated with vendors, and found innovative ways to cut costs. We still delivered the project on time—saving over $50,000.”
5. “If you won the lottery tomorrow, what would you do?”
This question tests motivation. Are you passionate about your work, or just working for a paycheck?
👉 How to answer: Show balance—financial freedom is nice, but passion for meaningful work matters.
Example:
“I’d probably travel a little, but I’d still want to work. I enjoy solving complex problems and creating solutions—it’s fulfilling beyond the paycheck.”
6. “How would your friends describe you?”
This question reveals how you think others see you—and whether that aligns with the traits the company values.
👉 How to answer: Pick genuine qualities that fit the role. Use a quick story to back them up.
Example:
“My friends would say I’m dependable and calm under pressure. During group projects, I’m usually the one who organizes things and keeps everyone on track.”
7. “What’s a skill you’re currently working on improving?”
This question isn’t about weaknesses—it’s about growth. Employers want candidates who are self-aware and proactive learners.
👉 How to answer: Choose a real skill that isn’t mission-critical for the role, and explain how you’re improving it.
Example:
“I’ve been working on sharpening my data visualization skills. I started an online course and have been applying what I learn in small team reports.”
8. “Tell me about a time you failed—and what you learned.”
This one weeds out candidates who can’t handle setbacks.
👉 How to answer: Be honest, but choose a failure that you’ve learned from. Show accountability and growth.
Example:
“Early in my career, I took on too many tasks at once and missed a deadline. I learned the importance of prioritization and now use tools to manage my workload effectively.”
9. “If you could change one thing about your last job, what would it be?”
This can be a trap—it’s easy to sound negative. The interviewer wants to see if you can critique diplomatically.
👉 How to answer: Stay constructive. Frame it as something you wished for, not a complaint.
Example:
“I loved my last role, but if I could change one thing, it would be having more opportunities for mentorship. I value learning from experienced colleagues.”
10. “What’s something you’re passionate about outside of work?”
Employers want to see you as a whole person. This question reveals energy, balance, and values.
👉 How to answer: Share something authentic that shows dedication, creativity, or growth.
Example:
“I’m passionate about long-distance running. It teaches discipline, resilience, and focus—qualities that also help me professionally.”
How to Prepare for Unique Interview Questions
You can’t predict every curveball, but you can train your mindset:
- Practice storytelling. The more stories you have ready, the easier it is to adapt them to unexpected questions.
- Think in themes. Focus on values like problem-solving, teamwork, adaptability, and passion. Many answers can be reframed to highlight these.
- Pause before answering. Don’t be afraid to take a second. Thoughtfulness beats blurting out the first thing that comes to mind.
- Stay authentic. Employers can spot fake answers. Be genuine—but strategic in how you frame it.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Fear the Curveballs
Unique interview questions may feel intimidating, but they’re also opportunities. They’re your chance to break free from robotic answers and show the human side of who you are.
If you approach them with curiosity, preparation, and honesty, you won’t just survive them—you’ll shine.
So the next time an interviewer asks, “If you were an animal, which one would you be?”—don’t panic. Smile, take a breath, and answer in a way that shows your character, creativity, and confidence.
Because sometimes, it’s not the rehearsed answers that land you the job—it’s the ones that reveal the real you.
