Your Interview Question Was Unique

7 years ago I got asked (what I thought at the time) was a unique interview question.

The interviewer provided context by asking if we could do a role play, then said...

"If I was visiting SF and wanted to have the best burrito, what would you tell me?"

Before I thought about an approach, I knew I wanted to work with this person. 

I ended up taking the job and worked with that person for 3.5 years (went to his wedding a month ago). 

This question was creative and really made me think (not to mention it took some pressure off). 

Part of what he was looking for was a response that included, "that depends on what you're looking for in a burrito" (how can I recommend something if I don't know what you like). 

This was for an AE role and as a candidate, it gave me a clear picture of this person's sales style. 

This got me thinking, what are some other unique questions people like to ask. 

So I asked LinkedIn. Here are two of the many responses I got:

 "If I got a beer with your past 3 managers, what would they say your strengths and areas of growth opportunities were? Start with the manager you had 3 jobs ago" - Director of CS 
- I'm looking for self awareness of what they did well or lacked in a certain stage in their career, and growth progression. 

 "Describe the color yellow" - VP of Sales
- Simultaneously the best and weirdest question that can produce really interesting learnings about a candidates thought process. 

Whether you're a candidate or an interviewer, take note of the questions you're getting asked and their purpose.

Ask the purpose of the question. Think about how that matches (or doesn't match) with what you're looking for in a candidate/employer.