Every so often, life throws us a curveball. Like when you finally find matching socks, but by some dark magic, they refuse to pair. Or when you make a cup of tea, only to realise you’ve run out of milk.
But nothing quite prepares you for the curveballs some employers toss your way just before an interview. You’d think the pre-interview stage would be straightforward - a time to hone your CV, polish your shoes, and prepare for the inevitable “Tell us about yourself” question.
Yet, some companies seem to believe that the best way to assess a potential candidate is to request something so bafflingly strange, so mind-bogglingly absurd, that you wonder if they’ve confused the hiring process with an episode of a reality TV show.
So, here’s a look at some of the strangest pre-interview requests employers have ever made. Buckle up - it’s going to be a wild ride.
1. The Request for a ‘Creative’ Selfie
The job market is competitive, they said. Stand out, they said. But when one company asked candidates to submit a ‘creative selfie’ alongside their application, even the most spirited job seekers were left scratching their heads.
Was it a test of creativity? A challenge to see if you could work Snapchat filters into your professional life? Or a ploy to build the world’s weirdest photo album?
One thing’s for certain: when your future employment hinges on your ability to look like a Picasso painting, it’s time to question your life choices.
2. The ‘Customised’ Playlist
Some companies pride themselves on being quirky and innovative. But asking candidates to create a playlist that represents their work ethic? That’s a whole new level of eccentricity.
Are they expecting a serenade of motivational anthems? A symphony of classical masterpieces? Or a mixtape that screams, “I’m a team player with excellent time management skills”?
Either way, if your employment prospects depend on your ability to channel your inner DJ, it might be time to consider a career change.
3. The Video Tour of Your Home
When one company requested candidates to film a tour of their living space, it raised more than a few eyebrows.
Were they assessing your interior design skills? Looking for a glimpse into your personal life? Or just hoping you’d accidentally reveal the location of your secret chocolate stash?
Regardless, if your living room decor is becoming a deciding factor in the hiring process, perhaps it’s time to rethink your career path—or invest in a few strategically placed houseplants.
4. The Request to Solve a Puzzle
A test of problem-solving skills, or a thinly veiled attempt to gauge your patience?
Some companies have taken to sending potential employees a series of puzzles to solve before interviews. From sudoku to cryptic crosswords, these challenges are designed to separate the wheat from the chaff.
However, if you find yourself spending more time studying the art of puzzle-solving than mastering your job description, it might be worth questioning what you’re really getting yourself into.
5. The ‘Work Sample’ That Isn’t Really Work
It’s one thing to ask for a portfolio; it’s another to request candidates to bake a cake to demonstrate “attention to detail and presentation skills.”
Although it’s a delicious idea for a team-building exercise, using culinary prowess as a benchmark for professional aptitude seems a tad peculiar.
Unless you’re applying to be a pastry chef, in which case, carry on.
6. The ‘Dream Journal’ Submission
You’ve heard of companies asking for references, but what about dream journals? One employer requested candidates to submit a journal of their dreams to assess creativity and forward-thinking.
Is this an ingenious way to uncover hidden talents? Or a ploy to ensure only those who dream of workflow efficiency make it through?
Either way, if you’re required to recount your subconscious adventures, it might be time to question their recruitment strategy—and your life decisions.
7. The Role-Playing Scenario
When a company asks you to participate in a role-playing scenario before even meeting you, it raises some interesting questions.
Are they testing your improvisational skills? Your ability to think on your feet? Or just hoping you’ll turn up dressed as a wizard?
While role-playing can be an effective training tool, using it as a pre-interview tactic feels more like a quest for Middle Earth than a serious hiring method.
8. The ‘Weirdest Fact About You’ Request
It’s a truth universally acknowledged that everyone has a weird fact about themselves they’d rather keep hidden.
However, when an employer asks for this gem of personal trivia as part of the application process, it opens up a Pandora’s box of possibilities.
Are they trying to gauge uniqueness? Or simply fishing for quirky anecdotes to liven up their Monday meetings?
9. The 30-Second Dance Video
When an employer requests a dance video before an interview, it raises an important question: Is it a job or an audition for "Strictly Come Dancing"?
Sure, dancing can demonstrate enthusiasm and energy, but unless you’re applying for a role in a Broadway musical, this request might be worthy of a double-take.
10. The Pet Introduction
And finally, one company asked candidates to introduce their pet in a video, claiming it revealed personality and warmth.
While introducing your cat might showcase your compassion or your dog might highlight loyalty, it’s a peculiar measure of professional capability.
If your pet is more likely to win over potential employers than your CV, it might be time to reassess your priorities—or consider their position as your career coach.
Need Recruitment Without the Unnecessary Drama?
If this has left you questioning the sanity of the recruitment process, fear not. At Coburg Banks, we promise a straightforward, drama-free hiring experience.
So, whether you’re a candidate tired of being asked for a dance-off video, or an employer looking for a recruitment strategy that doesn’t involve interpretive dance, get in touch.
We’ll leave the dance floor to the professionals and focus on what really matters: finding the right fit for your business.
