Does anyone have a go-to "odd" or unconventional question you like to ask candidates to keep them on their toes or see how they react when put on the spot?

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I ask them "how did you spend your summers as a kid?" You get so much insight into their work ethic.

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This is GREAT!

I sometimes start of with "whats your favorite pizza topping?" at the beginning of the interview just to break the ice and so they aren't as nervous.

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I ask them how they can compare and contrast from their friends. If their friends differ from them a lot, it shows diversity and leadership.

likesmart

Oooh this is a realy cool question. I am totally stealing this one

I ask about any hobbies or interesting trips they've taken in the past. I try to gauge for a passionate response so they feel more talkative and interested, rather than focused on their nervousness.

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Yes! For some reason candidates are always taken off guard when you ask them about something unrelated to work. I like to get a sense of how they are outside of work, too. I feel like we all put on a mask at work and during interviews.

I ask them about other products or brands in our industry to see how well versed they are in the industry.

I once asked what is a passion project you have completed or are doing - not work related or school related. If someone was new to job hunting etc. (fresh out of school) it allowed me to see what they do when they are interested or vested, also shows me how well they can articulate it, thought process, and outcomes. One candidate I had once told me she created a whole YouTube channel for her family’s eyes only. She was a passionate make up artist, loves fashion and fx, and showed her friends and family how she created the looks - E2E - with tips and tricks. She walked me through how she would have ideas, storyboards or outlines, research product, she learned editing etc and only likes doing it for fun and for her family. I thought it was such a cool project.

Yes! I go really really random at this point. I probably ask about a hobby, about their experiences in high school, or a fond memory from their childhood.

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