Interviewing for a job you really want is always a nerve-racking experience, especially when the interviewer hits you with a curveball question: “What’s the first thing you’d do if you won the lottery?” “What animal best represents you as a person?” “Sell me this pen.” “Tell me a joke.” 

These seemingly innocuous questions and phrases are designed to make us sweat a little as we try to come up with interesting answers that showcase our skills and ability to think outside the box. But a clever line of questioning can go both ways – and it’s important that it does. 

Thoughtful questions are your chance to stand out, show you’re really interested in the role and demonstrate that you care about this opportunity enough to do your research. It’s also your chance to ‘interview’ the panel back and find out the answers to the questions that really matter to you. 

So next time you’re sitting opposite a recruiter about to ask “What does a typical day look like?”, why not try one of these unusual questions instead?

1. “Where do you eat lunch?”

At first glance, asking where the team eats lunch may seem odd; however, it can provide great insight into the company culture. “If employees consistently eat at their desks, is this because they are pressed for time and facing an overwhelming workload? Does the team boast about indulging in lengthy lunches most days, and if so, does this align with what you are seeking? Or is the office very ‘cliquey’, with no one straying from their group?” asks Rob Phelps, a career expert at recruitment consultants AI Jobs. “Lunch is a time for relaxation, and how employees spend it reflects the workplace culture and can help you to determine whether you’d be a good fit.”

 2. “What do you like about working here?”

Remember: just as much as the team might be interviewing you to assess if you’re right for the role, you’re interviewing them right back to see if you’d enjoy being part of the company. So don’t miss out on the opportunity to ask more personal questions about their job and how they feel about it.

“‘What do you like about working here?’ is a brilliantly straightforward yet revealing question,” says Phelps. “If the interviewer hesitates or struggles to answer, it may indicate low job satisfaction. Equally, an enthusiastic response can inspire confidence in the company’s culture and values.”

3. “What’s something people often misunderstand about working here?”

Every job has elements that outsiders might not fully comprehend, and this question can unveil hidden workplace challenges or unexpected benefits not detailed in the job description. “Think of it as a more interesting way to ask about the day-to-day responsibilities of the job,” adds Phelps. “A job description can only provide so much information, so it’s crucial to know all responsibilities before starting the role to assess whether they align with your skills. Inquiring about the daily responsibilities gives insight into whether the expected workload is realistic and manageable.”

4. “Are you part of any work WhatsApp groups?”

We’ve all been there. You’re having a great day, and then suddenly you’re overwhelmed by the number of WhatsApp notifications that have accumulated since you last checked your phone. “If the workplace intends to add you to a WhatsApp group on your personal device, it may indicate an expectation for you to be available around the clock, and that’s something that’s good to suss out early,” says Phelps.

5. “Are work socials mandatory?”

Similarly, this subtle question can help you to determine how good the company’s work/life balance is and how seriously they take employee boundaries. “For some, work socials provide a chance to bond with the team outside of the office; however, introverts may dread socialising after hours,” agrees Phelps. “If work socials are mandatory, this could indicate that office hours are viewed as flexible and that the job is considered more of a lifestyle than a career.”

6. “What are the unwritten rules of working here?”

“Every workplace has its set of rules, both spoken and unspoken. Some unspoken rules may signal a toxic company culture. For instance, is being the first to leave the office considered rude? Are you expected to be on call outside of business hours? Are work socials obligatory?” questions Phelps. “Not all unwritten rules are common sense, and asking about them during an interview is an excellent way to determine if the workplace aligns with your personality.”

7. “What workplace etiquette do you think I should know about?”

Again, understanding workplace etiquette before joining can help avoid uncomfortable situations. “Whether it relates to a casual dress code, unspoken rules regarding desk decoration or email etiquette, being aware of potential faux pas can assist you in determining if the culture is a good fit for you,” says Phelps.

8. “What could someone do to make you think: ‘This is exactly who we were looking for?’”

According to Phelps, this proactive question clarifies expectations for the role and highlights what the company values most in an employee. “It also allows you to evaluate whether your strengths align with their needs,” he adds.

9. “When can I expect to hear back from you?”

Waiting to find out if you’ve secured the position is perhaps the most challenging part of the interview process. However, this question aims to establish a timeline for a follow-up and gain insight into the company’s organisation and their respect for your time and communication.

Images: Getty