Curveball interview questions are any out-of-the-ordinary, quirky, or creative questions designed to catch candidates off guard. These questions aim to test how well candidates think on their feet and handle pressure in unusual scenarios.
So, to help you ace every query that comes your way, we’ll explain the scope of questions that can be considered curveballs in greater detail, elaborate on how to answer them, and give you some examples to prepare you for your next job interview! Let’s jump in.
Key Takeaways
- Curveball interview questions are meant to throw the candidate off-guard and measure their creativity, adaptability, and quick thinking.
- These interview questions can be divided into problem-solving, behavioral and abstract curveball questions, and hypothetical scenarios.
- When asked a curveball interview question, it’s advisable to take some time and think before answering to ensure you understand it properly.
- These questions are not asked with the intention of sabotaging the candidate—they’re aimed at gauging their personality traits and affinities a bit better.
What Are Curveball Interview Questions and How to Answer Them?
Curveball interview questions are common interview questions that aim to catch you off-guard. However, these types of questions are not there to sabotage the candidate at an interview but to test their adaptability, creativity, leadership, and wit.
These questions help the interviewers quickly discover how you’d react to many unpredictable changes in the workplace. They provide insights into your future behavior at work and help them evaluate how well your profile aligns with the company culture.
Now that it’s clear what the curveball interview questions are and why they’re asked, let’s find out how to answer them properly.
Chances are that the interviewers aren’t only focused on what you’re saying but also on how you say it. These awkward, unexpected questions are there to measure your creative thinking, put you under some pressure, and see how you react.
So, try to stay composed, and don’t be afraid to ask for some time to think before you answer. This way, both your verbal and non-verbal communication convey confidence, whether it’s in your analytical abilities or through your sturdy, unshifted, calm demeanor that complements that verbal part.
Don’t rush with your answer—the interviewer knows how unconventional the curveball interview questions are. Think for a while and don’t fret too much, as these questions, while important, are rarely crucial for your job interview.
Also, remember that despite sounding different, most of the curveball interview questions are there to gauge how well your personality matches their company values and culture.
Have fun, be yourself, and maybe even throw a curveball of an answer back at them to turn the awkward situation into an entertaining one.
4 Types of Curveball Interview Questions
There are four types of curveball interview questions: hypothetical scenarios, problem-solving, behavioral, and abstract questions. Here are some examples to illustrate each type:
#1. Hypothetical Scenarios
- How would you explain social media to someone from the 1800s?
- How would you handle collaborating with someone who has the opposite working style from yours?
- If you could give a TED talk, which topic would you pick and why?
- How would you explain a complex process like how the brain works to a five-year-old?
- If you were an inventor, which product would you create to make everyday and work life easier?
- How would you handle a situation where your boss and your client both gave you conflicting instructions?
- If you were a brand, what would your slogan be?
#2. Problem-Solving Questions
- How many tennis balls can you fit in a school bus?
- How would you eat a bowl of pudding without cutlery?
- How would you communicate a solution to a problem without using words?
- What would you do to successfully solve a problem without having all the needed information?
- How would you design a spice rack for the blind?
- How would you sell a hair product to someone who is bald?
- How would you explain GTA to your grandmother?
- How would you plan a 5-year-long trip to an empty island?
#3. Behavioral Curveball Questions
- Provide two examples of when you had to think on your feet.
- Name one thing you would change about your last job.
- Have you ever had a manager challenge your decision? If so, how did you react?
- How did you solve the most challenging problem you’ve encountered in the workplace?
- If you found yourself in a position where you needed to choose between ethics and solving an issue, what would you choose?
- What’s one thing you could never ignore in the office?
- Describe how you got to a piece of information you needed from someone unresponsive.
- When you have a lot of important client tasks and not enough time to address all of them, explain how you would prioritize them.
#4. Abstract/Creative Questions
- If you were the president for a day, what’s the first thing you would do?
- Would you rather always be late but perfect in all other ways or imperfect but always on time?
- Who’s your least favorite superhero from Marvel’s Avengers, and why?
- What animal would you like to be, and what animal do you think you would be?
- If you could pick 3 people from the beginning of time and take them to lunch, which ones would you pick? Elaborate why.
- Would you rather be stuck on a desert island with no food or on the top of a mountain with no clothes?
- What would you do if you accidentally gave meat to a vegan?
Sample Answers to Curveball Interview Questions
As you can see, some of these questions are funny, some are entertaining, and some are confusing and even scary to receive. However, although they seem like they can be problematic, once you get enough practice, they will feel like a breeze.
Now, take a look at the list below and use the sample answers to practice for your upcoming interview:
#1. Would you rather always be late but perfect in everything else or imperfect but always on time?
This question aims to test your objectivity and evaluate how highly you think of yourself.
In this case, it’s best to be humble and admit that we’re all imperfect but always being on time helps us make steps in the right direction. Another thing this answer conveys is that you’re willing to work hard, as being punctual is a choice, whereas perfection comes without trying (in this context).
Sample answer:
I would rather be imperfect but always on time. Although perfection is valuable, being consistently on time showcases respect for others and guarantees smooth collaboration, better communication, adaptability, and more—all of which lead to better results and often compensate for certain imperfections. |
#2. What animal would you like to be, and what animal do you think you would be?
These two questions connected into one both serve the same purpose—they’re aimed at gathering insight into your perception of yourself, both in the workplace and in other aspects of life. When answering, choosing a dog is generally a safe bet, as they’re widely considered loyal and friendly, tame until endangered.
Sample answer:
I would like to be an eagle because of their clear vision and ability to soar over obstacles, reflecting freedom and strategic insight, which I love. But I believe I am more like a dog—loyal, hardworking, and constantly eager to engage with others. I am motivated by teamwork and determination, which I believe mirror who I am in the workplace. |
#3. Name one thing you would change about your last job.
There are many funny curveball questions, but (unfortunately) this one isn’t one of them. This uncomfortable question is there primarily to check whether you’ll bad-mouth your former employers. Logically, if you’re not diplomatic enough, it’s a bad look for you.
However, going overboard with circling around the question can be even worse as you send a message that you struggle with assertive communication. Suddenly, you’ll look like someone who can’t vocalize their concerns in an efficient way.
So, the best way to go about this question is to state something that can universally be bad but can easily be fixed and doesn’t sound condescending.
Sample answer:
If I could change one thing about my last job, it would be the communication between departments. Improving that with more streamlined tools or regular meetings could have boosted collaboration and efficiency. |
#4. How would you design a spice rack for the blind?
This seemingly wild and random question is really effective in telling the employer all about your analytical and interpersonal skills.
To illustrate, you can opt for a survey and an overall interactive approach where you discuss the solution as you go with the target audience. This approach will showcase your attempts to hear the client out and ask questions to improve your solution through active listening.
Sample answer:
I would start by conducting a survey with blind individuals to understand their needs and preferences. Based on their feedback, I would design a spice rack with tactile labels, such as raised braille or distinct textures on each jar, allowing them to easily identify spices by touch. |
I’d also consider adding audio cues, like small voice-recorded labels, to further assist in distinguishing spices.”
#5. If you could pick three people from the beginning of time and take them to lunch, which ones would you pick? Elaborate why.
This is a solid example of a college curveball interview question. While there’s no correct answer, each person you’d choose would say something about the qualities you appreciate.
Sample answer:
I would choose Leonardo da Vinci for his genius and creativity across so many fields; Nelson Mandela for his leadership and resilience in the face of adversity; and Marie Curie for her groundbreaking scientific contributions. I admire their curiosity, strength, and dedication to their respective causes, and I think a conversation with them would offer incredible insights into innovation, perseverance, and impact. |
#6. How would you explain a smartphone to someone from the 1800s?
This is a question designed to test your imagination and ability to simplify complex structures. Another version of this question can sound like something along the lines of “How would you explain quantum physics to a child?”.
The point remains the same. The only right answer here is to identify and use only the familiar concepts and linguistic devices your target audience knows to get on the same level of understanding.
Sample answer:
I would explain a smartphone as a small, portable device that lets you talk to people instantly, no matter how far away they are. It also has a way to capture and display pictures, like a tiny painting or photograph, and you can use it to access books, news, or letters from all over the world in seconds. |
#7. Which fruit would you be?
This is one of the greatest curveball interview questions for an applicant simply because it’s almost impossible to get it completely wrong. The only thing you have to do is explain your choice well.
For example, if you pick an apple, make sure you explain the fruit’s amazing versatility. It’s known for helping us stay healthy, it can go in a fruit salad (to show you’re a team player), and finally, it can be consumed raw, cooked, or baked, making it highly adaptable.
Sample answer:
I would choose to be an apple. Apples are incredibly versatile; they can be eaten raw, baked, or used in salads, which reflects my adaptability in different situations. Additionally, they are known for their health benefits, symbolizing my commitment to well-being and balance. Plus, their popularity and ability to be enjoyed in various forms illustrate my collaborative spirit, as I thrive in team environments. |
Final Thoughts
Curveball interview questions are made to evaluate a candidate’s creativity, quick or analytical thinking, adaptability, and other work-related qualities.
Despite trying to shake you up a bit, they rarely aim to sabotage your interview. Instead, they help interviewers discover the things about the candidate that they’d probably not talk about throughout the interview.
These questions can be studied, and you can prepare for them or at least get a feel for them. It’s important to note they can be about hypothetical scenarios, problem-solving questions, behavioral questions, and abstract/creative questions.
To perform well and impress the interviewers, you should take a breather and think about the question before rapidly answering.