Most awkward interview/application answers

I had an interview today and got this typical question. To the veterans of this forum, what have been the weirdest/most awkward answers to "Why should we hire you?" or "What makes you different?"? That you've heard/read.

2 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, it seems that some of the most awkward answers to "Why should we hire you?" or "What makes you different?" are those that don't really answer the question or those that come off as arrogant or unprepared.

For example, one user shared a story about an interviewee who responded to "Why should we hire you?" with "Because I'm a grinder" while referring to an espresso machine. This could be seen as an attempt at humor, but it might also come off as avoiding the question or not taking the interview seriously.

Another user shared a story about an interviewee who asked to speak with the head of HR during the interview. This is definitely an unusual and potentially awkward response, as it could be seen as overstepping or not respecting the interview process.

Remember, the best answers to these questions are those that highlight your unique skills, experiences, and fit for the role in a confident, but humble way.

Sources: Share the Strangest Interview Questions You've Received, Answers to "why should we hire you?" question, you guys ever take long-shots at job applications? What's the craziest interview you've landed?, Weird/odd Questions Asked in Interviews

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Omnis qui eius ratione. Labore enim eius cupiditate est expedita recusandae velit molestiae. Qui iste eveniet ut rerum. Doloremque odit aut reiciendis omnis voluptatem. Saepe et consectetur ducimus in aut neque fuga.

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee

Career Advancement Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Guggenheim Partners 02 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 99.0%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (29) $183
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (77) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”