Unforgettable Interview Stories: Landing Jobs with Unconventional Answers

Occasionally, being unconventional during a job interview can not only make a memorable impression but also land you the job. Sometimes the craziest statements or actions during an interview can turn out to be the most effective tools in securing your future career.

1. Letting Your Passion Shine Through

I once provided an answer to a standard ‘What is one of your weaknesses?’ question that caught the hiring manager off guard. I stated that I'm a huge NY Yankees and NY Giants fan. It might seem like an odd response for such a commonly asked question, but it opened up an unexpected avenue to discuss my passion and dedication.

As an interview tip, it's important to be true to yourself and share your unique traits, even if they might seem unconventional. Your passions can often be a valuable asset, showcasing not just your interests, but also your ability to be yourself in professional settings.

One of the wildest things people report doing in interviews—and still landing the job—often involves unconventional honesty or humor. For instance, in another interview, a candidate jokingly remarked, “My last job was being a pirate in the Caribbean for three months and I’m still unemployed.” This unexpected response made the interviewer smile and remember the candidate in a positive light.

2. Honesty and Integrity

In a Thai interview, I faced a unique challenge that involved informing the interviewers about my previous employer's opposition to my move. During my interview with a British doctor, I revealed that my Thailand missionary fellowship opposed my going to Cambodia and that their new leader would soon be contacting the doctor regarding this opposition. The doctor heard me out and accepted the phone call from my old leader, ultimately seeing my honesty as a positive trait, and accepted me into the new position despite the opposition.

Being honest, even about complex or potentially negative situations, can sometimes provide a significant edge. It shows integrity and a willingness to be open and transparent, making you stand out among candidates.

3. Directness Counts

Another memorable interview involved me being sent to TomTom's head office in Amsterdam for a job as a sales executive. When the interviewer asked why I wanted to work for the company, I cut to the chase: 'I just want to take a break from being a freelance journalist and get a steady paycheck for a while.' The HR person then responded, 'So, you just want to make some money,' to which I simply answered, 'Yes,' and I was hired on the spot.

This direct and straightforward approach was praised for its honesty and simplicity. Frankness can sometimes be more compelling than flowery promises about future opportunities. The CFO's appreciation for my no-nonsense answer led to my hiring and eventually, I stayed there for almost fifteen years, becoming involved in the very next generation of product development.

It's worth noting that sometimes, the most effective answers are those that are honest, direct, and straightforward. Being true to your motivations can often resonate with the interviewer, leading to a stronger connection and a better chance of securing the job.

Final Words

Interview stories like these remind us that unconventional answers, when handled with grace and thoughtfulness, can make a significant impact on the hiring process. Whether it's sharing a passion, being brutally honest, or simply being direct, these stories highlight the importance of authenticity in job interviews.

Remember, your unique traits, no matter how seemingly unconventional, can often be your greatest assets in the professional world. Embrace your quirks and use them to your advantage during interviews. After all, it's your uniqueness that makes you stand out in a crowd.