When you prepare for common interview questions like “Tell me about yourself” or “Where do you see yourself in five years?” it can help you feel less anxious. However, what occurs if your employer surprises you? During interviews, job seekers in the United Arab Emirates have reported being asked some genuinely strange and unexpected questions. Even though they might appear odd at first, they frequently have a purpose: they assess your ability to solve problems creatively or whether you are a good fit for the company culture.
This post will discuss some of the most peculiar interview questions that UAE employers have asked, as well as professional tips on how to respond to them.
1. If you were an animal, which one would you be and why?
Why do they ask this question?
The purpose of this inquiry is to evaluate your leadership abilities, personality attributes, and level of self-awareness. It may also be used by employers to assess your capacity for rapid and innovative thought.
How to Answer:
Choose an animal that represents your work ethic and values. For example:
Lion: If you want to highlight leadership, confidence, and ambition.
Dolphin: If you want to emphasize teamwork, intelligence, and communication skills.
Owl: If you’re analytical, wise, and strategic in decision-making
Example answer:
“I would be a dolphin because they are intelligent, adaptable, and great team players. Just like a dolphin, I enjoy collaborating with others and finding creative solutions to challenges.”
2. How many basketballs can fit in this room?
Why They Ask This Question:
This is a brainteaser designed to assess your capacity for problem-solving and rational thought under duress. Employers are more interested in your approach to the issue than in the precise figure.
How to Answer:
Break down the question logically:
Estimate the approximate size of the room (e.g., 10m x 5m x 3m).
Estimate the average size of a basketball (about 24 cm in diameter).
Consider factors like unused space due to stacking inefficiencies.
Example answer:
“First, I’d estimate the dimensions of the room. If it’s about 10 meters long, 5 meters wide, and 3 meters high, that gives us 150 cubic meters. A basketball is roughly 0.008 cubic meters in volume. If we assume some empty space due to stacking, we might fit around 12,000 basketballs. Of course, this is an estimation, but it demonstrates my ability to break down complex problems logically.”
3. If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?
Why They Ask This Question:
This question evaluates your cultural awareness, values, and ability to think on your feet. It also gives the interviewer insight into your aspirations and intellectual curiosity.
How to Answer:
Pick a figure who aligns with your professional or personal values and explain why their influence matters to you.
Example answer:
“I would choose Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE. His vision, leadership, and ability to unite people from different backgrounds are truly inspiring. I’d love to learn from his wisdom on leadership and nation-building.”
4. If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only bring three things, what would they be?
Why They Ask This Question:
Employers use this question to assess your problem-solving skills, priorities, and ability to make decisions under pressure.
How to Answer:
Choose items that demonstrate resourcefulness and practical thinking.
Example answer:
“I’d bring a multi-tool for survival, a satellite phone for communication, and a book on survival techniques. This combination ensures I can take care of immediate needs while working on a way to get rescued.”
5. What would you do if you found a penguin in the office?
Why They Ask This Question:
This quirky question tests your creativity, adaptability, and ability to handle unexpected situations. Employers want to see how you react to unusual challenges.
How to Answer:
Show problem-solving skills while maintaining a lighthearted approach.
Example answer:
“I would start by ensuring the penguin is secure and at ease. I would then attempt to determine how it got there—perhaps it walked in from a promotional event or an unsuccessful zoo visit. I would get in touch with an animal rescue organization or alert the proper authorities. In the meantime, I would most likely record the occasion because, let’s face it, who wouldn’t want to show off a penguin photo at work?“
6. If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose and why?
Why They Ask This Question:
This question helps employers understand your personality, values, and creative thinking. It also gives insight into what qualities you admire in others.
How to Answer:
Pick a character that reflects qualities relevant to the job.
Example answer:
“I’d choose Iron Man (Tony Stark) because he is innovative, resourceful, and always thinking ahead. His ability to blend technology and business aligns with my passion for problem-solving and strategic planning.”
7. How would you sell ice to an Eskimo?
Why They Ask This Question:
This is a classic sales question meant to test your persuasion skills, creativity, and ability to think outside the box.
How to Answer:
The trick is to reframe the value of ice beyond its typical use.
Example answer:
“I would market ice as a luxury or specialty product rather than as a necessity. I could sell ice cubes that are crystal clear and precisely shaped for use in gourmet culinary or high-end drinks, for instance. Additionally, I would look into selling ice in creative ways or as a way to preserve fragile objects in harsh environments.”
8. What’s the most interesting thing about you that’s not on your resume?
Why They Ask This Question:
Employers ask this to gauge your personality, uniqueness, and ability to engage in meaningful conversation beyond work-related topics.
How to Answer:
Choose something that highlights a unique skill, hobby, or experience that showcases valuable traits.
Example answer:
“I once completed a marathon in the desert, which taught me endurance, resilience, and the importance of mental strength—qualities I bring to my professional life as well.”
Final Thoughts
Strange job interview questions may initially seem perplexing, but they are frequently intended to provide more insight into your character, problem-solving abilities, and quick thinking. Effectively responding to them requires maintaining composure, using reason, and approaching each question with a combination of professionalism and originality.
Remember that there are no right or incorrect answers—only thoughtful ones that demonstrate your skills and personality—if you ever come across one of these odd questions during a job interview in the United Arab Emirates. I wish you luck!