5 surprising job interview questions you didn't expect

When we think of job interviews, the standard questions such as ‘What are your strengths and weaknesses?’ or ‘Why do you want to work for this company?’ often come to mind. However, more and more organisations realise that these kinds of questions usually offer little insight into the real person behind the candidate. To find a better match between the candidate and the company culture, recruiters nowadays ask more original and often unexpected questions. Swiss recruitment specialist Robert Walters reveals five surprising questions you can expect and why they are so valuable.  

Which superpower would you like to have, and why? 

At first glance, this question seems light-hearted and playful, but the answer can reveal a lot about the candidate's ambition and priorities. For example, someone who chooses ‘invisibility’ may indicate modesty or a preference for working in the background, while someone who chooses ‘teleportation’ may value speed and efficiency. This question encourages candidates to think creatively and explore their deeper motivations.  

How to answer:  

Give an answer that is both creative and tells something about yourself. Try to link your chosen superpower to skills or attributes that could be valuable in the job you are applying for. For example, you might say, ‘I would like to have the superpower of telepathy because it would help me better understand what my team members need and how I can best support them.’  

If you could change one thing in your previous job, what would it be? 

This question offers insight into the candidate's experiences and how they reflect on their previous job. It can also show whether they are capable of constructive criticism and what their priorities are in a work environment. It gives recruiters an idea of the candidate's personal values and their ability to grow and adapt.  

How to answer: 

Choose a situation that is not too negative but does show that you have thought about possible improvements. For example, ‘If I could change one thing in my previous job, I would have liked to spend more time on team communication. I believe a structured approach to regular team meetings and updates would have helped us work together more effectively and avoid misunderstandings.’  

What is the last new skill you learnt, and how did you approach it? 

This question provides insight into the candidate's learning abilities and their willingness to develop themselves. It shows whether the candidate is proactive in their personal and professional growth, which is an important trait in the fast-changing job market.  

How to answer: 

 Choose a recent skill and describe the process you went through to learn it. This can show that you are eager to learn and willing to challenge yourself. For example, ‘I recently took a training course in financial modelling. After learning the basics of Excel formulas, I built complex cash flow models step by step. I then applied these models in a project where we evaluated different investment options. This process not only gave me a better understanding of financial analysis, but also helped me process data more effectively and faster.’  

How would you describe yourself in three words?  

This is a quick question that forces candidates to think about their strengths and how they present themselves. It is also a chance to show that you know yourself well and are aware of your skills and how they contribute to the organisation.  

How to answer: 

Choose three words that reflect your character and professional style well. Give a brief example of how these words apply to your work. For example, ‘I describe myself as “creative, analytical and empathetic”. Creative because I am always looking for innovative solutions; analytical because I like to analyse data and figures before making decisions; and empathetic because I value the opinions and feelings of my colleagues.’  

What is the best advice anyone has ever given you? 

This question provides insight into the candidate's wise lessons and how they apply them in their life and work. It also reveals what values and principles are important to the candidate, which can help assess their cultural fit within the organisation.  

How to answer: 

Share the advice that has influenced you the most and explain why it has been so valuable to you. This shows that you are open to learning and personal growth. For example, ‘The best advice I ever received was to never be afraid to ask for help. This helped me understand that collaboration and sharing knowledge are essential for personal and professional development.

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