The Absurd Job Interview
Job interviews can be nerve-wracking experiences. You want to make a good impression, answer all the questions perfectly, and show the interviewer that you’re the best candidate for the job. But what happens when the interview takes a turn for the absurd?
The Setup
It was a rainy Monday morning when I arrived at the sleek office building for an interview. I had studied up on the company, rehearsed my answers to common interview questions, and dressed to impress. Stepping out of the elevator on the 15th floor, I approached the reception desk and introduced myself to the cheery receptionist.
“Good morning, I’m here for an interview with Mr. Johnson,” I said confidently.
“Oh, yes! Mr. Johnson is expecting you. Have a seat right over there and he’ll be with you shortly,” she replied with a smile.
I made my way to a plush armchair in the waiting area and took a deep breath. This was it. My big chance.
The Escalation
After a few minutes, the door to Mr. Johnson’s office opened and a tall man with slicked-back hair emerged.
“Hello there! You must be [name]. It’s great to meet you,” he exclaimed, shaking my hand vigorously. “Please, come into my office.”
I followed him into his office, which was decorated with modern art and expensive-looking furniture. He gestured for me to sit in a leather armchair in front of his desk.
“So, [name], tell me a little about yourself,” he began.
I launched into my rehearsed spiel about my education, experience, and strengths. He nodded along and made notes on a pad of paper.
Then, things took a turn.
“Let me ask you a hypothetical question,” he said, leaning forward with a twinkle in his eye. “If you were a superhero, what superpower would you want?”
I was taken aback. Was this some kind of joke? But I didn’t want to offend him, so I played along.
“Well, I’ve always thought that telekinesis would be a pretty cool superpower,” I said with a nervous chuckle.
He nodded thoughtfully. “Interesting choice. And what would you do with that power?”
I paused for a moment, trying to come up with a witty response. But all I could think of was how absurd this whole situation was.
“Uh, I’m not really sure,” I stammered. “Maybe use it to clean up the office or something?”
He laughed. “I like your practical thinking! But let’s say you could only use your power for one thing. What would it be?”
I was getting increasingly uncomfortable, but I didn’t want to blow my chances at the job.
“Well, I suppose I’d use it to lift heavy objects and help out around the office,” I said, trying not to sound too ridiculous.
He nodded again. “Very creative. And how about this—what kind of animal do you think you’d be and why?”
By now, I was seriously questioning whether this was a real job interview or some kind of elaborate trick show.
But I soldiered on, trying to think of the least offensive answer possible.
“Um, I guess I’d say a beaver. They’re hard workers and can build things,” I ventured.
Mr. Johnson leaned back in his chair and appraised me with a grin.
“Excellent answer! And you know what, [name]? I think you’ve got the job!”
The Aftermath
I was stunned. After all that, I had actually gotten the job?
Mr. Johnson explained that he liked to use unconventional interview questions to see how candidates thought on their feet and handled unexpected challenges. He assured me that all the other candidates had received the same treatment.
As I left his office, still reeling from the absurdity of the experience, I couldn’t help but wonder what other strange challenges lay ahead in my new job.
The Lesson
Job interviews are nerve-wracking enough without having to answer bizarre hypothetical questions. But the truth is, employers are looking for more than just the right qualifications and experience—they want to know how you handle unexpected challenges and think creatively.
So the next time you’re faced with an absurd interview question, try not to panic. Take a deep breath, stay calm, and think on your feet. Who knows, it might just land you the job.