How many basketballs fit in this room? What would you do if you inherited a pizzeria from your uncle? How do you weigh an elephant if you don't have a scale? Don't panic, you don't have to answer these questions. These are some of the eccentric questions that job candidates were asked during job interviews at Google, Volkswagen and IBM. Nevertheless, good inspiration to use during a job interview, for example as a conclusion. But what questions should you ask anyway? How do you get a clear picture of the candidate, so that you can make a substantiated assessment? Slightly less eccentric, but still important, are the 5 questions below that you should ask a job candidate.

1. Why do you want to work for us?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions during a job interview, but also one of the most important. The duration of the answer can actually tell you whether the applicant has done his homework and how enthusiastic he or she is to come and work at your company. If you do not get a complete answer to your question, ask where the applicant sees himself in 2 years and what role your company plays in this.

2. What is the greatest achievement you have ever made at work? 

By asking this question you will quickly find out what the applicant considers important and how much experience he or she has. If you're not particularly pressed about performance, you should ask yourself whether the position is too ambitious or appropriate for the applicant.

3. What are the first 3 things you will do when hired? 

A nice curriculum vitae does not say everything, decisiveness also matters. This question helps you find out whether the applicant has understood the responsibilities associated with the position. In addition, you find out the applicant's way of working and you can determine whether this work ethic fits the work culture of your company.

4. If you could start your career again, what would you do differently?

Unfortunately, the time machine has not yet been invented, but by asking this question you will find out what important decisions the applicant has made in his life and why. Were these decisions well-considered or too hasty? How did the applicant deal with wrong decisions?

5. What could your current employer do to be more successful?

On the one hand, this question tells you whether the applicant is capable of: to think strategically. On the other hand, the answer can provide clarity as to why the applicant wants to leave his current employer. It may be the case that the applicant indicates that he could not exactly grow within the organization. This way you will find out that the opportunity to grow is a need of the applicant and you can determine whether you can guarantee this need for the position.

Regardless of how many basketballs can fit in a room, the way an applicant answers your questions is an excellent opportunity to see how someone presents themselves and deals with problems. Some interview questions at Google were found to be too difficult and were therefore deleted. If you're curious, check one out video with some of these rather diverse questions.