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Career coach Madeline Mann shares the most common funny interview questions & how best to reply to them
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Not all job interview questions have to be serious, and you may be taken aback if an interviewer asks you something a bit silly. So, what do you do? How do you respond? We talked to professional career coaches to teach you just that! In this article, we’ll debrief the most common funny interview questions you could be asked, supply a handful of example responses, and help you craft the perfect reply to land the job.

What are some funny interview questions?

Career coach Madeline Mann says employers typically ask funny questions to see what your personality is like, though they may assign meanings to the answers you give. Some funny interview questions include:

  • If you were an animal, which would you be?
  • If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?
  • Are you a hunter or a gatherer?
  • What would the name of your debut album be?
  • How many windows are in New York?
  • Sell me a glass of water.
Section 1 of 5:

Funny Interview Questions & Example Responses

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  1. 1
    If you were an animal, which would you be?To answer this question, Mann suggests picking a trait you want to showcase and asking yourself which animal exemplifies it. She uses communication as an example and says she would answer this question by saying, “I’m like a parrot because they focus on listening and repeating things back so others feel heard.”[1]
    • The interviewer may use this question to see what qualities and traits you value.
    • To answer this question (and ones like it), Mann says, “A special trick is to think of the trait you want to exhibit and then find your answer back from that.”[2]

    Meet the wikiHow Experts

    Madeline Mann is a career coach and the best-selling author of Reverse the Search.

    Lucy Yeh is a career and life coach with over 20 years of experience.

    Adrian Klaphaak, CPCC, is a career coach who focuses on a mindfulness approach.

    Brandy DeOrnellas, PCC, ESQ, is a career coach who specializes in life and career aspirations.

  2. For this question, Mann recommends picking a trait or quality you want to highlight. She gives communication as an example, and provides this sample answer: “Reading minds because with empathetic question-asking, I’m usually able to get to the root of an issue and solve it.”[3]
    • An interviewer may ask this question to get an idea of what you value most.
    • Think about what you want to bring to the table—which superpower highlights this the most? Your answer will show off your creativity and personality.
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  3. If I were an ice cream flavor, I’d have to say I’d be strawberry. I’m fun and bright, but I’m also not too over-the-top. I can also handle whatever toppings or tasks are laid on me. In my hands, no challenge is too great.
    • An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about how you view yourself. They want to know what you think your best personality traits are.
    • Think about the professional qualities that really make you shine and how they might translate to an ice cream flavor (or whichever treat you’re asked about). Your answer alone will show your creativity and quick thinking skills!
  4. If I had to choose, I’d likely go with the “Friends” theme song. I love that TV show, and the show reminds me of community and camaraderie.
    • You could be asked this question so the interviewer can get a better understanding of your personality.
    • Think about what type of energy you want to bring to the position. Then, consider songs that have a matching tone. Your answer will help showcase your attitude.
  5. You’d likely find a lot of prepared meals. I enjoy meal prepping during the weekends. I don’t have to worry about cooking during the week, which frees up a lot of time. Plus, it helps me stay organized while sticking to a healthy lifestyle.
    • You may be asked this question so the interviewer can get a brief glimpse into your personal life. They’re hoping to learn more about your habits and organizational skills.
    • Think about what skills you want to bring to the position and how the items in your fridge can mirror that. Your answer can help highlight your professional qualities.
  6. The color of money truly depends on who you ask. I’d say money is green, but that’s because I’m from the United States. If you ask someone from another country, they may say it’s blue, purple, or white.
    • This type of interview question informs the interviewer about how you view the world.
    • Answer this question positively by highlighting that your experience isn’t the only experience. This helps showcase your outlook on life and empathy.
  7. I would consider myself a hunter. I’m confident and never fail to seek new opportunities for my clients and customers. I’m energized by challenges and will work hard until others are satisfied.
    • This interview question is designed to showcase how you view yourself in the position or within the workspace.
    • Choose the response that best aligns with the position. Then, tie it into your skills as a leader, organizer, and/or hard worker.[4]
  8. I’d have to take inspiration from Nike and say my motto would be “Just do it.” I’m a go-getter in my personal and professional life. No challenge is too big or too small. If something needs to get done, I’m the first person to volunteer.
    • An interviewer may ask this question to get a sense of your personality and how you view yourself.
    • Think of a keyword that describes you and your professional qualities. Then, use this keyword to come up with a tagline.
  9. If I were a salad dressing, I’d be a vinaigrette. I’m balanced, adaptable, and straightforward. When you order me, you know exactly what you’re getting: something dependable.
    • This interview question highlights your creativity, ability to think outside the box, and overall personality.
    • Consider what you want the employer to know about you—which professional qualities do you bring to the table? Think about the tone you want to bring and which salad dressing highlights these qualities.
  10. The last book I read was Atomic Habits by James Clear. I picked the book up because I was looking for ways to improve my productivity. After reading it, what resonated with me most was the idea that even the smallest change can make the biggest impact.
    • This interview question showcases your literacy while also giving you the opportunity to talk about personal growth and life lessons.
    • Be honest when answering this interview question. The interviewer wants to learn more about you, so don’t hesitate to mention your last read, whether it was good or bad. Just be sure to highlight what made the book stand out to you or what you learned from it.
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Section 2 of 5:

More Funny Job Interview Questions

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  1. While it’s not a guarantee that the interviewer will ask you a silly question, it’s always best to be prepared! Take a look at these common funny job interview questions and think of how you’d respond, just in case:
    • What do you think about when you’re alone in the car?
    • What would you do if you were the only survivor of a plane crash?
    • Are you a hunter or a gatherer?
    • If you lead a parade through the office, what type would it be?
    • How would you sell hot cocoa in Florida?
    • What was the last gift you gave someone?
    • What would you do if you found a penguin in the freezer?
    • Describe the color red without using any color names.
    • How many windows are in New York?
    • What would the name of your debut album be?
    • If you were a brand, what would your motto be?
    • What children’s movie is scary to you?
    • What fictional character do you identify with the most?
    • What’s your favorite sports team and why?
    • Are you a cat or dog person?
    • What actor would you want to play in a movie about your life?
    • What would you want your last meal to be?
    • Which celebrity would you choose to give your eulogy?
    • How would you use a time machine?
    • If you were a bicycle, what part would you be?
    • What type of salad dressing are you?
    • Tell me your best joke.
    • What would you do if aliens landed on Earth?
    • When you go on vacation, what’s the first thing you pack?
    • Sell me a glass of water.
    • Why are manholes round?
    • What was the last book you read?
    • If you could be an animal, what animal would you be?[5]
    • How many windows are in this building?
    • What type of dessert are you?
    • What video games do you play?
    • List 5 unconventional uses for books.
    • What’s you’re strangest party trick?
    • If you had a slogan, what would it be?
    • How would you explain a database to an 8-year-old?
    • If you were a contestant on a reality TV show, what kind of show would it be?
    • What would you do if you were given an elephant?
    • If they made a movie about your life, who would play you?
    • How many smartphones do you think are in this building?
    • How would you design a spice rack for a blind person?
    • What’s your biggest pet peeve?
    • What are some unusual uses for a paperclip?
    • What’s your go-to pizza topping?
    • What football team do you support?
    • If you could be Batman or Robin, who would you be?
    • How would you sell someone this pen?
    • Describe the taste of salt.
    • What do you think your last words will be?
    • How many balloons can fit in this room?
    • What would the title of your autobiography be?
    • How would your best friend describe you in 3 words?
Section 3 of 5:

Funny Questions for Casual Interviews

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  1. Learn more about anyone with these funny questions to spark a conversation! Whether you're just making small talk or interviewing someone to join your fraternity, here are some fun questions to loosen people up for casual interviews, friendly conversations, or other projects:
    • What’s your go-to dance song?
    • What’s your go-to karaoke song?
    • Who was your first celebrity crush?
    • What’s the best Wi-Fi name you’ve seen?
    • What’s the best lie you’ve ever told?
    • Which celebrity do you want to be friends with?
    • What’s your most-used emoji?
    • Who is your celebrity doppelganger?
    • What’s the unluckiest number?
    • What fictional place would you like to visit?
    • Would you rather go to space or the deep sea?
    • Have you ever had an imaginary friend?
    • What’s been your best Halloween costume?
    • If you were a flower, what flower would you be?
    • What’s your favorite board game?
    • What fruit shouldn’t exist?
    • What would you do if you could live forever?
    • What’s your comfort food?
    • What game show would you be good at?
    • Would you say you’re a sun or a moon?
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Section 4 of 5:

How to Respond to Funny Interview Questions

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  1. 1
    Focus on your strengths. Even if the question is silly, find ways to weave in ways to discuss your best attributes.[6] The interviewer likely asked a funny question to learn about your personality, so don’t be afraid to show pieces of yourself. As career coach Brandy DeOrnellas, PCC, ESQ, advises, “treat the interview like a conversation.”[7]
    • For example, if you’re asked, “What fictional character do you identify with the most?” you could respond by identifying a beloved character that has the same strengths as you, like confidence, perseverance, or ambition.
    • Mann explains that interviewers usually ask funny questions to get a sense of your personality. She also adds that they may have “some convoluted pseudo-psychology rationalization of what different answers mean,” too.[8]
  2. 2
    Bring up past work experience. While the question may not directly ask about your previous experience, there are still ways you can bring it up. Career coach Adrian Klaphaak, CPCC, recommends telling stories about relevant past experiences that highlight your skills and attributes.[9] This is a great way to show off your conversational skills and describe relevant experiences and stories.[10]
    • For instance, say you’re asked, “Are you a hunter or a gatherer?” If you relate to being a hunter, you can describe a situation in your previous job where you had to take command or “hunt down” answers to support your teammates.[11]
  3. 3
    Be yourself. The best thing you can do in any type of interview is be yourself. Try not to think too hard about the question—simply answer it like you’re talking to a close friend! Keep it casual and say the first respectable thing that comes to mind. Just remember to remain professional.
    • Know that there’s no perfect answer to any question! At the end of the day, go with your gut.[12]
  4. 4
    Ask clarifying questions. If you need a bit of time to think through what’s being asked, that’s okay! Take a deep breath and ask a follow-up question if you have one. Not only will this give you some more details (even if it’s a silly question), it’ll also show the interviewer that you’re paying attention and care about the subject matter (no matter how silly).[13]
    EXPERT TIP
    Lucy Yeh

    Lucy Yeh

    Career & Life Coach
    Lucy Yeh is a Human Resources Director, Recruiter, and Certified Life Coach (CLC) with over 20 years of experience. With a training background with Coaching for Life and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) at InsightLA, Lucy has worked with professionals of all levels to improve the quality of their careers, personal/professional relationships, self marketing, and life balance.
    Lucy Yeh
    Lucy Yeh
    Career & Life Coach

    Engage in a job interview. The most effective way to make an impression in an interview is to be warm, make eye contact, answer any questions thoughtfully, and ask questions about the company, the culture, the role, and its mission.

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Section 5 of 5:

What are trick job interview questions?

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  1. Trick job interview questions are meant to be difficult to answer. These types of questions are meant to “trick” or trip you up during an interview. The interviewer isn’t being harsh; they just want to learn as much about you as they can![14] How you answer a tricky interview question can inadvertently show how you view yourself, others, and difficult situations.[15]
    • “What is your biggest weakness?” “What do you like not to do?” and “What has been your biggest failure?” are some of the trickiest interview questions.

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References

  1. Madeline Mann. Career Coach. Expert Interview
  2. Madeline Mann. Career Coach. Expert Interview
  3. Madeline Mann. Career Coach. Expert Interview
  4. Jule Kim. Executive Leadership Expert. Expert Interview
  5. Madeline Mann. Career Coach. Expert Interview
  6. https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice/top-10-interview-questions
  7. Brandy DeOrnellas, PCC, ESQ.. Career Coach. Expert Interview
  8. Madeline Mann. Career Coach. Expert Interview
  9. Adrian Klaphaak, CPCC. Career Coach. Expert Interview

About This Article

Madeline Mann
Co-authored by:
Career Coach
This article was co-authored by Madeline Mann and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. Madeline Mann is a Job Search Strategist and HR Leader based in Los Angeles, CA. She is the best selling author of “Reverse the Search” & is known for turning job seekers into Job Shoppers. She has garnered an audience of millions of people and is a featured job search coach on Spotify & LinkedIn Learning. Mann’s job search coaching programs have led to thousands of success stories, and her work has been featured on ABC, Bloomberg, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Business Insider, Harvard Business Review, and more. Her YouTube channel has been named a “Top 10 YouTube Channel for Job Seekers” and a “Top 5 Career YouTube Channel”.
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Updated: November 10, 2025
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