One of those interview questions I hate goes something like this: Where do you see yourself in five years?
I dread answering it because I barely know what I'll be doing tomorrow. That's a bit of an exaggeration, but you get my point. Plus, my industry is in such flux that some people wonder about the future of newspapers.
Still, if you're like me, you smile and respond with some broad generalization about how you'd like to be in a challenging and fulfilling career.
You'll be asked all sorts of interview questions throughout your professional life. Some are annoying and others are ridiculous or border on the illegal. (Federal anti-discrimination laws prohibit employers from making hiring decisions based on sex, age, gender, race, religion and disabilities. Maryland law also prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, says Robert Kellner, chairman of the employment law practice group at Gordon, Feinblatt.)
A recent survey by the global human resources consulting firm Development Dimensions International and Monster asked 3,000 job seekers to share the most unusual questions they've been asked by interviewers.
Quirky ones included: Who is your favorite Beatle? What would you do if I gave you an elephant? What is your perception of the painting in our lobby?
Others were tasteless: Would you be available from time to time to watch my children? Would you be willing to stay overnight with a client if they request it?
Some were intrusive: Would you join a church to get a job? Are you single?
As a job candidate, how do you respond to such awkward questions?
Scott Erker, senior vice president of DDI's Selection Solutions, offers some advice on navigating tricky questions.
First, take your time before answering. Erker says there may be some reason why even a silly question is being asked.
"For example, if I was asked what kind of dog I would be, and if I was applying for a police officer job, you're looking for dependability," he says. "I would pick a German shepherd."
Erker also suggests following a politician's lead: "Don't answer the question on the surface but answer the question you want to answer."
Last, Erker says you could refuse to answer a question, especially if the line of inquiry feels inappropriate or illegal. Some hiring managers might lack training, or they might be trying to get to know you better, rather than acting with malice when questions fall outside legal bounds, Erker says.
"If it's a question you feel is intrusive or offensive, you could say, 'I prefer not to answer that question, but I'm happy to tell you my qualifications,'" he says.
What's the most unusual interview question you've been asked?
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On the Job is published Monday at www.baltimoresun.com