(opinion article)

In job interviews, candidates often expect traditional questions about their skills, experience, and qualifications. However, some employers deliberately ask absurd or seemingly unrelated questions, such as, “How many tennis balls fit in a school bus?” or “If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?” These unusual questions serve several purposes beyond their apparent randomness. 

One primary reason companies use absurd questions is to test a candidate’s problem-solving skills and creativity. Since there is often no right answer, interviewers observe how candidates approach complex, unfamiliar problems. For example, when asked, “How would you sell ice to penguins?” a creative thinker might discuss alternative uses for ice or emphasize how marketing can reshape demand.

Another purpose is to assess adaptability and composure under pressure. Absurd questions disrupt prepared responses and force candidates to think on their feet. A question like, “If you had to choose between fighting one horse-sized duck or a hundred duck-sized horses, which would you pick and why?” challenges the interviewee to analyze and justify their reasoning quickly.

Additionally, these questions can reveal personality traits, such as humor, quick wit, and confidence. Employers looking for team-oriented individuals may ask, “If you could have dinner with any fictional character, who would it be?” to gauge a candidate’s interests and how they might fit into the company culture.

Ultimately, absurd questions are not about the answers themselves but about the thought process and personality they reveal. They help employers identify candidates who can think creatively, stay calm under pressure, and engage in dynamic problem-solving qualities essential in fast-paced or innovative work environments.