How to Handle Tough Questions During a Job Interview
By Marion Marking

Marion Marking is editor in chief at China Business – Philippines, a monthly magazine available at National Bookstore, Powerbooks, Fully Booked, Bibliarch, leading newsstands nationwide, online via http://ChinaBusinessPhilippines.com ,and to clients of leading hotels and upscale coffee houses in the metro. She can be reached at editor@fairnewsmedia.com.

Has an interviewer's question ever caused you to almost fall off your chair? Or lose all ability for thought or speech? Don't sweat it too much because some questions are really designed to do just that.

My friends in the human resources profession tell me that some questions during a job interview are thrown out simply to see how the applicant handles a stressful situation. Such questions may be ridiculous, overly personal, or even insulting. The thing to remember is to not miss a beat as you answer the question as professionally (or as charmingly) as the situation calls for.

I made a quick survey of the China Business editorial and marketing teams and here are some examples of job interview questions they've encountered in the past.

If you were an animal, what animal would you be and why?

If you had to describe a color to a blind person, how would you do it?

Have you EVER had a boyfriend?

What's the wildest thing you ever did?

Are you willing to be immersed in a sausage fest?

Aside from making sure you keep your poise, answer ANY question in such a way as to highlight a particular strength or skill. As an employer, answers like the following would probably impress me.

If you were an animal, what animal would you be and why?
I would be an ant because I'm hardworking. Also, my siblings and I were always taught to put a portion of our allowances and salaries in a savings account.
[If it applies, you can even add something like: I'm only 21 years old now, but I will have enough savings in a couple of years to start my own business aside from holding down a day job.]

Have you EVER had a boyfriend?
Not yet. But I have lots of friends who happen to be boys and I find that it has balanced my perspective. When I do have a boyfriend, it will likely be in a strong, committed relationship because I already have an idea of what works and what doesn't.

Are you willing to be immersed in a sausage fest?
Literally? I would say 'yes' if the job called for it. Now, figuratively, if the job called for it, and it wouldn't embarrass me, my family, or my company, then 'yes.'