What are 'curveball questions' during job interviews and how do you answer them?
Just imagine: You’re finally ready to meet your potential employers and ace your upcoming job interview. You’ve rehearsed every common question they could give and have answers ready for when they ask you about your strengths and how you see yourself in a few years.
But in the middle of it, you end up getting asked, “What animal would you be?”
If you didn’t see this coming, you may be left speechless or stuttering, which is definitely not the way to make a good impression in your job interview.
For those who are just about to enter the real world, these are called curveball questions. They’re unexpected, unusual, and are designed to throw you off your feet in order for your employers to assess whether you have what it takes to think quickly, solve problems, and handle uncertainties.
Need tips on how to answer them? PhilSTAR L!fe spoke with HR professionals to get an idea on how you can approach them and stand out from other candidates.
1. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
When you get asked to compare yourself to an animal, it doesn’t mean that you have to think of something exotic in order to impress the interviewer.
According to France Bautista, a seasoned recruitment and talent acquisition leader, this question simply tests your self-awareness and quick thinking as well as assess what personality you have.
A sample answer would be: “A dolphin—intelligent, collaborative, and always aware of their environment. Dolphins are also great communicators and adapt well in changing conditions, which I think reflects how I approach work and team dynamics.”
2. How would you explain the internet to someone from the 1800s?
Ever had an instance where your parents ask you things about their gadgets? This question works the same way.
Bautista told L!fe that this tests your communication skills, creativity, and ability to simplify complex ideas.
A sample answer would be: “Imagine a giant library that everyone in the world can access instantly, from anywhere, without needing to travel. Now picture that people can not only read books, but also talk to each other, send letters in seconds, and even do business—all through invisible wires and signals. That’s essentially the internet.”
3. You’re stranded on a deserted island — what three items would you want with you, and why?
There’s a saying that you should only “buy what you need, and not what you want.” Bautista said that such applies when you’re hit with this curveball question.
She explained that interviewers ask this to assess your prioritization, logic, and adaptability, so make sure you don’t make a mistake of wanting to bring gadgets and other luxury items just because they’re things you can’t live without.
A sample answer would be: “A multi-tool for survival tasks, a satellite phone to call for help, and a large tarp—useful for shelter, collecting rainwater, or signaling. It’s about staying safe, being resourceful, and having a way out.”
4. What’s something you believe that most people don’t?
If you have an unpopular opinion that you’re itching to share, then this is the time to let all your thoughts out.
Bautista said that this question helps your employers determine your independent thinking, courage, and depth of thought.
A sample answer would be: “I believe boredom is a powerful creative tool. Most people try to avoid it, but I think being bored forces your mind to wander and can spark new ideas—especially in problem-solving or innovation.”
5. If you could instantly gain any skill, what would it be and how would you use it?
When answering this question, think of skills that aren’t related to work and that you would simply enjoy pursuing in your free time.
This tests your motivation, curiosity, and personality, according to Bautista.
A sample answer would be: “I’d love to instantly learn how to play the piano. It’s a mix of discipline and emotion, and I think it’s a great way to decompress and stay creative outside of work.”
6. Tell me about your biggest failure. What did you learn from it?
While we all want to look good in front of our potential employers, it’s okay to admit that you’re imperfect and that you’ve made mistakes in your work that have taught you valuable lessons.
Kooky Luis, an experienced executive corporate sourcer and recruiter, explained to L!fe that this question aims to evaluate your resilience and grit, accountability to own up to failures, and your growth mindset.
A sample answer would be: “There was a time when I led a project that missed its deadline because I underestimated the timelines of tasks. I learned to factor in buffer time and involved the team early to get better estimates. This has helped me create more realistic timelines for the next project.”
7. I'd like you to sell me this. (Choose any common object... example: a pen)
If you’re applying for a sales-related position, then be prepared as you may encounter this tricky question.
Luis said that this tests your creativity and quick-thinking, as well as your persuasion skills.
A sample answer would be: “This pen is not just for writing, it's for signing your next offer. It comes with a tiny microphone to record important notes in a meeting, and converts to a flashlight. It's sleek design gives you that professional edge, and at the same time has very practical features.”
8. If money were not an issue, what would you be doing right now?
While this question may seem like just a casual conversation starter, it actually helps your employers get a lot of insight into your real goals, so don't just laugh it off by giving answers like sleeping or browsing through social media all day long.
Luis explained that this question is asked to uncover your true passions and motivation.
A sample answer would be: “I find myself in a role that helps mentoring fresh graduates ease in their work, or supporting youth employment programs.”
9. How would you explain your job to a five-year old?
Similar to the internet question, Luis said that this one also tests your communication skills and if you have the ability to simplify complex ideas.
A sample answer would be: “I help people look for the right jobs, like how your teacher helps students choose what to learn. I talk to them and understand what they like and don't like, and look for the best place for them to work.”
10. Can you tell me how your job search is going?
This is another tricky question that employers like to ask, but don’t get rattled by it.
According to human resources specialist Fritzie Plomantes, this inquiry helps them assess how active you are in your job search. It’s best to simply be honest and stay focused.
One thing you can do is to say that you’re looking for a job that matches your skills and career goals.
A sample answer would be: “I'm actively applying to positions that align with my strengths in this area. I'm searching for a stable organization where I can advance.”
