'How do you get a hippo out of a hole?' The top 20 hardest (and strangest) interview questions

A survey of 2,000 UK adults revealed the top 20 questionable questions asked during job interviews.

17:45 05 February 2015

2,000 UK adults were surveyed on the hardest and strangest interview questions they were asked during their job applications. While one candidate was asked “Was the book Frankenstein really about state control?” another one was puzzled with the question “How do you get a hippo out of a hole?”

Meanwhile, some respondents revealed that aside from being asked silly questions, they were also asked to sign or improvise a film with a potential colleague. One baffled job-seeker was told: "build a tower of paper cups in one minute that would not fall down when you put water in the top cup".

AAT spokeswoman Aimee Batemann said: "The prospect of being interrogated on our professional experience and ability is a naturally intimidating scenario and, as the results show, it's not always easy to keep composed.

"The range of random and sometimes unbelievable questions or tasks candidates have been subjected to shows sometimes you just can't predict what will be thrown at you.

"However, the best way to maintain composure and reduce the chances of embarrassment is to try to prepare for every possibility and be prepared to think on your feet if need be."

 

THE STRANGEST THINGS ASKED TO BRITS IN AN INTERVIEW

• Would you rather know a lot about a little or a little about a lot?
• Who would you invite to a dinner party?
• Who would win in a fight, Superman or Batman?
• Who is your favourite Doctor Who?
• Which video game character would you like to be and why?
• Which three celebrities would you like to join for a night out?
• Would you post about work on Facebook?
• Do you prefer to be right, or be liked?
• Do you wear jeans outside of work?
• What would you do if the sun died out?
• Are you a Coronation Street or EastEnders fan?
• What would you do if you caught a member of staff kissing the boss?
• What dinosaur would you like to be?
• Was the book Frankenstein really about state control?
• Please do an improvisation of a film (with potential co-worker) Build a tower of paper cups in 1 minute that would not fall down when you put water in the top cup Tell me 20 unique selling points about this BIC pen Please bring a toy with you and explain how this reflects you as a person or a part of your personality Is a Jaffa cake a cake or biscuit?
• How do you feel about blood sports?
• If a Hippo falls into a hole how would you get it out?
• Do you like to sing in the bath?
• Would you drive through an amber traffic light?

TOP 20 MOST-COMMON AWKWARD INTERVIEW EXPERIENCES

1. I didn't know what to say

2. I felt intimidated

3. I said something stupid

4. The interviewer seemed bored

5. I kept stuttering

6. The other person was really rude

7. I went really red

8. I didn't answer many of their questions

9. I was late

10. I knew nothing about the company

11. I started to sweat really badly

12. I had no knowledge on the job role

13. I got lost

14. The other person interviewing asked if I was thinking of having a child anytime soon

15. I kept mumbling

16. The person interviewing asked me if I was single or married

17. I was made to do an interview, Apprentice-style, with the other short-listed candidates

18. I had forgotten which role I was applying for

19. I had a hangover

20. I accidentally swore

THE 20 HARDEST QUESTIONS TO BE ASKED IN A JOB INTERVIEW

1. What are your weaknesses?

2. Describe yourself in three words

3. If you were a fruit or vegetable what would you be and why?

4. If you were a flavour of ice cream, what would you be and why?

5. What has been your greatest achievement?

6. What are your strengths?

7. Describe a time when you have failed

8. Why should we choose you for this role?

9. Why did you apply for this job?

10. How will you contribute to the team?

11. Describe a situation where you have gone above and beyond

12. Describe a project you have handled

13. What do you think the Chief Executive thinks of the company?

14. What attracted you to this company?

15. How would your friends describe you?

16. Describe a situation where you have had others follow your lead

17. Name a time where you have worked under pressure

18. What attributes do you have that will support you in this role?

19. Are you a competitive person?

20. What are you hoping to get out of life?