Unusual interview questions – between creativity and hype

Why Scientists are especially suited for this

Scientists are used to dealing with uncertainty. They work with hypotheses, experiment, discard, and think in alternatives. It’s exactly this mindset that becomes valuable in job interviews when recruiters intentionally ask unusual or seemingly “impossible” questions. While others search for the one right answer, scientists are trained to systematically and flexibly explore new perspectives.

An example: The bus stop question

A classic example of such a question is:

“You’re driving through a stormy night and come across a bus stop with three people waiting: an elderly lady who is close to death, a friend who once saved your life, and the person of your dreams. You only have room for one passenger. Who do you pick up?”

Most applicants choose one of the three options – and lose. The clever answer, reportedly given by just one in 200 applicants, is:
“I give the car keys to my friend so he can take the old lady to the hospital, and I stay behind to wait for the bus with my dream partner.”

This solution shows: It’s not the answer itself that matters, but the ability to think beyond the obvious and creatively recombine the elements. That’s the real purpose of such questions.

From Musk to corporations: Why this technique became popular

One well-known example, popularized by Elon Musk, involves asking interview questions that seem absurd at first. Candidates may be asked how to efficiently clean all the windows in a city, or how many golf balls would fit in a plane. These tasks can’t be solved with precise math – but they reveal how candidates think, structure problems, show creativity, and manage uncertainty.

Wider use in recruiting

This technique goes far beyond the tech world. Project managers are tested for their stress resilience, engineers for problem-solving strategies, marketing candidates for creativity. Even in traditional industries, such questions can offer new insights:

“What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?” – tests courage and authenticity.

“How would you solve a problem that seems unsolvable?” – assesses resilience.

“What business would you start with €60,000?” – reveals innovation potential.

These answers aren’t about being “right” or “wrong” – they reveal thought patterns, mindset, and communication style.

Between insight and hype

Still, it’s important to remember that these questions are also part of a trend. Many candidates now prepare for them, and the element of surprise is fading. It also remains unclear whether creative answers really correlate with future job performance.

Conclusion: The desire for more

Whether trend or real value, unusual interview questions reflect a deeper need: to get to know the person behind the CV, beyond AI-generated certificates, and beyond standard conversations. Ultimately, it’s about building trust – in an employee who not only fits the role but also resonates on a human level.