The best ways to answer wacky job interview questions such as ‘what would you take to the moon?’

JOB interviews are getting wacky, with “What thing would you take to the moon?” voted the weirdest question.

Studies suggest it takes an average of 17 interviews to land a job — and more firms are asking unusual questions.

4

While there may be no right or wrong answer to an offbeat question, interviewers love quick thinking.

A survey by jobs website glassdoor.co.uk has revealed the strangest questions asked at interviews.

These are the “funny five” the site identified . . . and how to answer them.

• What single thing would you take with you to the moon? Depending on the role, consider what you want to convey in your answer. Do you want to come across as practical or sentimental? Practical answers include moon boots or an oxygen mask for survival. For sentimental answers, consider items such as your favourite book or a diary to record your experience.
• Is a Jaffa Cake a cake or a biscuit? Be prepared to offer detailed reasoning behind your answer. If you go for cake, mention its sponge base and that it goes hard when stale. Convinced it is a biscuit? Say they are sold alongside other biscuits in shops.
• Would you rather jump from a plane or climb a mountain? Again, the answer you give should reflect the role you are applying for. If the job requires a lot of quick thinking and a willingness to take risks, you might go for the jump. If it is more about analysis or perseverance, the mountain might be better. response. Either way, explain your rationale in your answer.
• If you won £10million, what would you do with the money? This is a great opportunity to convey your passions and interests. Aim to communicate your personal values, which may not otherwise come up in traditional interviews. Be sure to make it relevant to the workplace, though.
• How would your friends describe you? Avoid cliched single-word answers, such as “trustworthy” and “reliable”. You can guarantee every other candidate will be saying the same thing. Instead, use real-life examples, such as the time a friend turned to you because she sees you as dependable. Short stories will make you more memorable to recruiters and let your personality shine.

Tech your pick

LOOKING for a new company to call home? Property portal Zoopla has 130 vacancies in product development, software engineering and data analysis.

Ten of the roles are part of the firm’s software engineering apprenticeship, for which it has partnered with the PwC’s Tech She Can Charter to encourage more women to apply.

4

Research from Tech She Can shows only a quarter of women would consider a career in technology compared with 62 per cent of men.

Zoopla’s Catrin Anderson said: “We are looking for talented individuals who are at the beginning of their career and who show a passion for technology.

“In particular we want to give opportunities to women.”

• To apply, go to

Online guardians

JOIN the fight against cyberterrorism as a “soldier of tomorrow”.

Cybacademy offers apprenticeships in online security, with training from military veterans.

4

Europe will need an extra 350,000 workers in the sector by 2022, according to industry estimates.

Brian Wood, an Army veteran who was awarded the Military Cross for his actions in Iraq, is an ambassador for the company.

He says: “Cyberwarfare is an increasingly serious issue. Cybacademy is going to help develop the talent needed to safeguard businesses and nations from state-sponsored hackers and international crime gangs.”

He said Crucial Academy, the training firm delivering the apprenticeships, would be developing “some of the best cyber-security talent in the country”.

You need basic maths and English plus the right to work in the UK.

• Contact [email protected] or visit for details

Craft a winning culture

WHAT are the ingredients for a great place to work?

Saurav Chopra, chief executive of Perkbox, says: “Workplace culture is hard work. It’s unique and ever-changing but it’s the DNA of every business and deserves to be celebrated.”

4

Here are his tips for developing a strong culture.

• Hire the right leadership. Good leaders will inspire employees to achieve the company’s goals. They need to demonstrate key values.
• Recognise workplace heroes. Bosses should show their appreciation and highlight engaged employees on an ongoing basis. Sharing how different employees help the business reach goals will encourage productivity.
• Keep an ear to the ground. Listen to how staff feel to keep them engaged. Hold surveys and appoint “culture guardians” across the business to protect common values.
• Encourage work-life balance. Find a healthy balance of perks to help to improve employees’ wellbeing, including physical, financial and emotional factors.
• Personalise. Every employee has their own interests, skills, likes and dislikes. You can’t please everyone at every level but well thought-out policies – such as flexible working – will help you build a culture that achieves the best results.

• GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL [email protected]