Why you should think twice about completing these odd and inappropriate interview tasks
What with nerves, tough questions, and salary conversations, acing a job interview can already feel like running a gauntlet. But for some candidates, their interviews transform into a full-on circus as soon as their interviewer brings out the ‘tasks’ they’ll be required to fulfil.
“Companies may argue that offbeat interview tasks reveal the true nature of a candidate, but some assignments leave applicants in very uncomfortable situations,” says Jason Morris from My Profit Engine, a specialised, family-run link-building agency.
Below, Jason explores six of the strangest interview tasks candidates have ever encountered, along with companies notorious for asking these hard questions.
1. The Video Script Challenge
When Reddit user u/dontknowwhattowrite_ applied for their first content writing role, they were asked to do far more than they expected. First, they were asked to complete a script for a five-minute video, presenting a complex subject in an approachable manner for a broad audience.
But that’s not all: they were also required to produce a storyboard with detailed filming plans and staging directions to go with the script. All of this was requested for an entry-level position that paid just £22,000 ($30,000), despite the “complex subject” demanding considerable research.
Jason’s Pro Tip:
“Asking a candidate to produce a comprehensive project without any compensation is borderline exploitative,” Jason asserts. “Unless you’re applying for a top-tier company (think Apple or Burberry), completing this kind of task isn’t worth your time.”
2. “Surprise Me…”
This classic interview task involves the interviewer telling the candidate to “surprise them” without any guidance on what they’re expecting. The result? Candidates have been known to go a little overboard, such as smashing a paperweight through the window or simply walking out.
Any company could potentially pull this question out of the bag to try and evaluate how well candidates can think on their feet, from extremely competitive companies like Microsoft trying to choose between several excellent candidates, to your local department store interviewer who’s watched too many episodes of The Apprentice.
However, without clarity, this challenge is more likely to create chaos than yield meaningful insights.
Jason’s Pro Tip:
“If faced with an interviewer asking for a ‘surprise,’ remain calm,” Jason says. “Trust your instincts, and don’t feel pressured into doing something ridiculous.”
3. Prove Your Hobby
In one particularly awkward interview with online marketplace Living Social, candidates were asked to perform their favourite song right there in the interview room! Whether it’s juggling, playing an instrument, or performing an impression, some interviewers have been known to test candidates by asking them to demonstrate their hobbies on the spot.
The purpose of this nail-biting performance is to test a candidate’s authenticity and integrity. In short, employers want to see if candidates can back up what they put on their resumes.
Jason’s Pro Tip:
“Not many employers will ask you to prove everything you put on your CV, but you should be sure that every hobby or skill you list is something you can actually do,” says Jason. “If you find yourself in a tight spot, it’s better to admit upfront that you exaggerated.”
4. The Ten Commandments Test
To their shock and horror, someone interviewing for a marketing role was once asked to list the Ten Commandments in order. Not only does this task not test anything relevant to job performance, it’s also a blatant violation of legal and ethical standards.
Hiring someone of a specific religion is sometimes legal if the role clearly requires someone of a particular faith – for example, working in a church. However, businesses like small-town restaurants or stores have been known to ask similar questions. If you face a similar situation, don’t be afraid to politely point out that such questions are illegal.
Jason’s Pro Tip:
“Any interviewer who asks questions about your religious beliefs is either unfamiliar with HR legalities or, worse, is deliberately ignoring them,” says Jason. “Not respecting the rules around proper hiring practices is a massive red flag for any business, and I would recommend walking away.”
5. The Brand Strategy Plan
On Reddit, user u/ProfessionalOwn1361 shared the laborious interview process her friend was involved with. Candidates were asked to create a three-month brand strategy plan from scratch. This included market research, creative development, ideas for collaborations, and KPIs. In other words: hours of work, all for free. After that, candidates had to present their work in front of a board of interviewers and spend an additional hour discussing it.
Jason’s Pro Tip:
“A brand strategy takes hours of labour, and expecting someone to do it for free without any compensation or guarantee of being hired is a major red flag,” says Jason. “Companies that ask for this much effort from candidates could be using the process to gather free ideas, with no intention of hiring anyone. You have every right to ask about payment for your time – don’t be afraid to do so.”
Jason Morris from My Profit Engine commented:
“While quirky interview tasks might seem like an opportunity to showcase your creativity or stand out from the crowd, they often raise questions about a company’s hiring practices and respect for candidates’ time.
“A well-structured interview should focus on assessing your skills, experience, and cultural fit. Anything outside that scope – especially if it’s irrelevant to the job at hand – may be a sign of poor interview etiquette or a company that doesn’t value its candidates’ time. If a task feels unreasonable, overly personal, or irrelevant to the role, don’t hesitate to politely set boundaries and refuse.
“It’s important to remember that the interview is a two-way street. If a company is asking too much of you, especially with little respect for your time or professional boundaries, it’s worth questioning whether that business is the right fit for you. Don’t be afraid to walk away from situations where you feel the task is unreasonable or exploitative. A good employer will appreciate your time and effort, not take advantage of it.”