Man Has No Idea Question About The Grand Canyon Is A Test To Check His Work Ethic, Fails It

Making a good impression during a job interview requires preparation, practice, and a bit of luck. But sometimes, things take an unexpected turn, regardless of your readiness level.

When Reddit user Dekemyster tried to sell himself to an IT company, one of the recruiters asked the guy what he would do if he couldn't solve a client's problem, and immediately after answering, he was hit with a follow-up question about... the Grand Canyon. Little did he know, it was all part of the same test.

To get a better understanding of current recruiting trends and how this story fits in them, we got in touch with Jasmine Escalera, career expert at LiveCareer, a platform that provides useful tools and qualified advice for job seekers.

"Trick questions aren't necessarily common, but as a job seeker, you should be prepared to answer different styles of questions designed to give interviewers an understanding of your experience, how you'll approach the role, and if you fit within the team and company culture," Escalera told Bored Panda.

The career expert said that even the questions that seem lighthearted or unusual serve a purpose. "For example, the funniest question I've ever been asked in an interview was, 'Which Star Wars character do you best align with?' I answered Yoda because I truly enjoy mentoring and coaching team members, helping them identify their strengths, and aligning their work to their goals and growth path. The question was very unexpected, but it gave me the opportunity to highlight a strength that directly aligned with the leadership role I was applying for."

"No matter how quirky a question may seem, the best approach is to find a way to connect your answer back to your relevant experience and how you'll bring value to the role," Escalera said.

However, that doesn't mean that hiring managers can do whatever they want. The career expert added that all interview questions must remain professional and relevant.

"There are some questions that are considered illegal in many countries and should not be asked. These include, but are not limited to, questions about your age, marital status, religion, or plans to have children," Escalera explained. "If you're ever asked a question that feels inappropriate or unrelated to the job, you have the right to politely decline to answer and can direct the conversation back to your skills, experience, and enthusiasm for the position."

No need to rush. "It's okay to not have an immediate answer to every question, especially if it catches you off guard. If you get asked a question and need a moment to think, then it's appropriate to say something like, 'That's a great question. Do you mind if I take a few seconds to gather my thoughts?'" Escalera added.

"Taking a moment for a short pause shows you are both being thoughtful and eager to address the question at hand. If you genuinely don't know the answer, it's also okay to be honest. You might say something like, 'I want to give that question the thought it deserves. Would it be okay if I follow up with a more complete response in an email right after we conclude?' Then, be sure to follow up and address the question as part of your thank-you email," she said. "It is important for every job seeker to understand that interviewers aren't looking for perfection. They more so want to understand how you think on your toes and handle moments of a little pressure with grace and professionalism."

Ultimately, it's not just the company that's screening the applicant during an interview. Candidates also use it to get a sense of what sort of environment they'd be working in. If the workplace seems toxic, it might be because it is.