The 4-Step Formula for Answering Unexpected Interview Questions

Ever had that moment in an interview when they hit you with a question so random you wonder if they’re secretly filming for a comedy show? 😅
“If you were a kitchen appliance, which one would you be and why?”
(Yes, that’s a real question someone got asked. And no, “wine opener” wasn’t the right answer 🍷)

Look, we’ve all been there – that awkward silence while your brain goes into panic mode and starts considering if it’s too late to fake a fire alarm. But here’s the thing: those weird questions? They’re actually a gift in disguise.

→ Here’s your 4-step formula for handling ANY curveball question (tested by yours truly after several awkward interview moments):
[1] The 10-Second Stall Tactic Don’t panic-blurt! Instead, use these exact phrases: • “Great question – let me frame this properly for you…” • “Actually, I’ve got a perfect example for this…” • “Before I answer, could you tell me what matters most to you about this?”
(Think of it like making a cup of tea – take your time, don’t just chuck the bag in and hope for the best)
[2] The STAR Method on Steroids Even if your brain’s gone blank, stick to this: • Situation: One quick sentence about the context • Task: What needed doing (keep it snappy) • Action: The clever thing you actually did • Result: The impressive outcome • Relevance: Why this matters for THIS job
Example:
“In my last role, our team was missing deadlines [S]. I needed to fix our workflow [T]. So I created a new project tracking system [A]. We hit 100% of our targets the next quarter [R], and I’d bring that same systematic approach here [Relevance].”
The Sanity Check Questions
Before you keep talking, quickly ask yourself:

• “Would I say this to my boss?” (If no, redirect)
• “Does this show I can do the job?” (If no, pivot)
• [3] “Am I still answering the actual question?” (If no, wrap it up)
  The Power Landing
• Don’t trail off like a sad trombone. End with one of these power moves:
• “And that’s exactly how I’d approach similar challenges here…”
• “This directly relates to what you’re looking for because…”
• [4] “Let me show you another quick example of this in action…”
  Here’s what it looks like in action:
  PANIC VERSION:
  “Um… I guess I’d be a microwave because… um… I’m fast? And… hot? Wait, no, not hot… I mean efficient! nervous laughter”

BRILLIANT VERSION:
“Interesting question! I’d say I’m like a good food processor – versatile, reliable, and able to handle multiple tasks at once. In my last role, I managed our team’s entire project portfolio, switching between different priorities while keeping everything running smoothly. Plus, like a food processor, I’m all about making things more efficient – whether that’s streamlining processes or finding better ways to deliver results.”
It’s not about having the perfect answer – it’s about showing them how you think. Because let’s be honest, they’re not REALLY interested in your kitchen appliance preferences (unless you’re interviewing at John Lewis, maybe 😉).

Want more interview techniques that actually work? Our Blueprint course includes a whole module on mastering those tricky interview moments – without sounding like you’ve swallowed a corporate handbook. Get on the waiting list!