crazy questions interviewers ask

Crazy Questions Asked During Interviews

Fusion Career Recruiter

There isn’t really a right or wrong answer to crazy questions interviewers ask.

As a seasoned interviewee you have prepared detailed stories outlining your past experiences and achievements that showcase you in the best light. However, some hiring managers will still try to throw you off guard by asking you crazy questions during the interview. These questions are not necessarily designed to help break the ice, but are a questioning tactic used to help catch you unfiltered. 

There isn’t really a right or wrong answer to crazy questions that might be thrown at you during an interview. These questions are designed to help you think more creatively and help the interviewer get better insight into your personality. It’s a way for potential employers to get to know you better without asking questions that are too personal and possibly illegal.

Before you answer an unusual question, take some time to mull it over and be sure you understand the question clearly. Ask for clarification if needed. Answer questions as honestly as possible while remaining professional. It is traditional for hiring managers to ask about your past experiences and qualifications that help make you a good candidate for the position. Strange questions that make you think quickly are excellent in helping hiring managers determine other important qualities. Some examples of good qualities employers are looking for are: empathy, sensitivity, good communication skills as well as the ability to think on one’s feet. 

Here are some crazy questions interviewers ask:

What was the last book you read?

Employers like potential employees who keep current on industry trends and read publications as well as local and world news.

If you could be any character in fiction, who would you want to be?

Your answer to this question could help reveal a lot about your interests and personality.

If you had the opportunity, what historical figure would you invite to dinner?

You should consider answering this question by choosing a historical figure related to your particular industry. Even if you would be interested in meeting another person, stay focused on the job you want.

If you only had six months left to live, what would you do with the time?

Your answer to this question will help give you an opportunity to express your goals and planning style.

If someone were to write a biography about you, what do you think the title should be?

Your answer will show your creativity, personality and will offer a summary of your accomplishments.

These are just a small sample of crazy questions interviewers ask. Do you have an unusual interview question to share?

solution engineer career toronto

Solution Engineer Career Healthcare Technology Toronto & Global

Fusion Career Recruiter

Our Client is searching for a Solution Engineer with international customer support experience to fill a key product and service support role in the healthcare technology industry. This exciting opportunity is ideal for people with experience working or travelling in developing countries.

The Role – Solution Engineer Career Toronto

  • The Solution Engineer will work with distributors and customers to provide customer support (device hardware, software and wireless infrastructure), product training, web portal maintenance, data analysis, as well as some custom development activities.

The Candidate

  • 3 + years experience working with international partners deploying and operating technology products and services.
  • Engineering degree.
  • Proven experience working with customers to build relationships, identify needs, solve problems, train and provide customer support during product and service launch and through-out life cycle.
  • Experience with Quality Management Systems.
  • Strong communication and presentation skills.
  • Knowledge and ability to create technical documentation.
  • Fluency in a 2nd language is an asset.
  • Experience travelling and working internationally, including experience travelling and/or working in developing countries.
  • Ability to problem solve and work independently.

This position is based in Toronto and requires global travel about 25% of the time.

Are you interested in joining a firm that thrives on innovation and is working to improve people’s lives? Find out more about this opportunity by contacting Taran at contact@fusioncareer.com or go to the Fusion Career Services Job Board.

Do you know someone who might be right for this position? Share this job posting – Solution Engineer Career Toronto.

At Fusion Career Services we are always interested in talking to people about their next career advancement. Contact us today.

managing workplace hazards

Managing Workplace Hazards in Vegas

Audra Sayn-Wittgenstein

When managers feel overwhelmed with administrative responsibilities like managing workplace hazards or employee conflicts, thoughts often wander to taking a vacation.

My recent vacation, this July, to scorching Las Vegas exposed us to extreme heat, crowded sidewalks, traffic jams, party goers, and tired, hungry, dehydrated people walking the Las Vegas Strip. There were also many dedicated local residents who worked very hard to take care of the masses of tourists.   As we coped with the challenges of our vacation, I spent some time thinking about how employers on the Las Vegas Strip approach managing workplace hazards. 

Managing workplace hazards in Las Vegas does not really differ from other places in the world. Successful hazard management is all about identifying the safety hazards, figuring out ways to eliminate or control them and training employees about safety procedures. Then, of course, managers must evaluate to determine if they have succeeded in keeping their employees and customers safe.

Identify the hazards. Some hazards are found everywhere but others are unique or more prevalent in certain businesses or locations. The most obvious workplace hazards in Las Vegas are heat stress, repetitive strain injuries, smoking in the workplace, communicable disease, violence, harassment, and working alone.  It is important that employers identify unsafe situations in their workplaces.  As a visitor, I considered the safety issues that could affect my family while we visited the city.

Make a plan to prevent injury. Similar methods are used for successfully managing workplace hazards, no matter where you are in the world.  The most obvious strategy used in Vegas is the systematic way that Las Vegas Strip employers operate their businesses. The hotels, restaurants and attractions operate using standardized procedures. Many initiatives are clearly in place to optimize safety and control risk in this busy tourist area.

Train key people. Employees on the Strip seem very well trained. Most of the businesses are large organizations that likely invest a lot of money into employee training in order to achieve high quality customer service and safety practices. This training benefits employees and customers alike by preparing employees to competently deal with hazards on the job. As visitors, we made sure our family drank lots of water, took breaks from the hot outdoors by exploring the air-conditioned, indoor hotel sites and avoided the riskier attractions off the Strip. We also asked the experts, the local workers and residents, how to stay safe in Las Vegas.

Evaluate and make improvements.  I am not sure how safety initiatives are evaluated by Las Vegas employers but this final step is important. If managing workplace hazards is valued, then employers cannot guess and gamble, leaving safety to chance. Employers must review their workplace safety practices and decide if further improvements are necessary. 

Despite the potential safety hazards in Las Vegas, our vacation was great! But the next time I visit Las Vegas, it will be at a time of the year when the temperature is cooler than 38 degrees Celsius!  

Exit Interview

Quitting your Job? Here’s How to Handle the Exit Interview

Christine Lord

An exit interview is used to provide feedback on why employees are leaving, what they liked about their employment, and what areas of the company need improvement. If you have resigned from your job, your current employer will most likely want to conduct an exit interview. As with any interview, it is important to prepare. Here are some things to consider before, and during your exit interview.

Consider why You Are Leaving

This will be one of the main focuses during the exit interview. Think about what your new job offers that this one doesn’t. For example, it may be a step up in your career, offer more benefits, better opportunity to learn new skills, or more flexible work hours. Try not to focus on the arguments you’ve had with your boss or colleagues.  Figure out the real reason why you have accepted another position.

Remain Professional – Don’t Burn Bridges

No matter what you choose to discuss with your employer, whether it is negative or positive, it is important to remain professional. If you have had negative experiences at your job, it may be irresistible to use this interview to unload and air your frustrations. However, this will not do you any good. The time you were employed with them was when you should have raised your concerns.  Also, if you plan on using this employer as a reference, you don’t want to burn your bridges. If you do bring up negative issues, turn them into productive, constructive criticisms and do so tactfully and remain professional.  

Ask Questions

Think about any questions prior to your exit interview that you may have about ending your employment. When will you receive your final pay check? Will you need to train a new employee before you leave? If you have any questions after your employment ends who should you contact?

Leave on a Positive Note

Make a point to say how much you have learned while working there and that you will be able to use these experiences to further your career. Be positive, even if there have been some negative experiences in the past. Thank your employer for the opportunities you have been given, and be sure to mention the things you will miss.

The exit interview is a way for companies to get feedback on your experiences, and for them to take necessary actions based on what you say. Try to stay positive and professional and offer constructive criticism if needed without burning bridges. 

warehouse supervisor career toronto

Junior Warehouse Supervisor Career Toronto

Christine Lord

Our client is searching for a reliable and hardworking Junior Warehouse Supervisor to join their team at a well established packaging manufacturer.

The Role – Junior Warehouse Supervisor Career Toronto

The Junior Warehouse Supervisor will provide leadership and co-ordination of all warehouse functions and activities and ensure safety, quality, delivery and cost targets are met.

The Candidate

  • High school diploma – College Diploma preferred
  • 1-3 years of experience in a fast paced, high volume Warehouse & Distribution environment
  • Good knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and MRP
  • Strong interpersonal and people management skills
  • Planning and organizational skills
  • Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing tools
  • Scanning system knowledge of RFID
  • Must have a driver’s license
  • Some travel may be required
  • Forklift License

Find out more about this opportunity by contacting Christine at contact(at)fusioncareer.com or go to the Fusion Career Job Board.

Do you know someone who might be right for this position? Share this job posting – Warehouse Supervisor  Career Toronto.

At Fusion Career Services we are always interested in talking to people about their next career advancement. Contact us today.

Counter Offers

Handling Counter Offers – The Employer’s Perspective

Fusion Career Recruiter

Welcome back to Handling Counter Offers! In part two of this series we will talk about the employer’s perspective on the counter offer. The new employer and your current. Counter offers are to be expected, as mentioned in Part One if you better prepare yourself for it then you will know how to handle it. The perspective of the employer is very important in how you handle the counter offer. Especially since your loyalty has now been tested on both fronts.

The Current Employer

Looking at the employer’s perspective in regards to your resignation is significant. If your employer presents a counter offer it does not serve anyone else’s interest but their own. Their job is to maintain productivity and workflow. Your employer could offer you exactly what you were looking for in a new job, but that does not mean it is a long-term solution. Often the employer will present a counter offer to buy time to find your replacement. Once you have shown them that your loyalty was put to the test it is really hard to come back from that. The employer’s opinion of your loyalty will forever change and they always think you are open to leaving at any given time. So to protect themselves, they will present a counter offer and see you as disposable as soon as the right replacement comes along.

The New Employer

Getting a job offer is very exciting for both the candidate and new employer! It is the start of a new relationship, and could mean many good things to come forward. However, what really sours new employers is when you pit them against your previous with respect to the counter offer. Some candidates may go back to the new job offer and see if they can get more out of it. Not only is this detrimental to your new relationship with this employer, they may decide to take the offer back. Simply because there was lapse in your commitment with them.

As candidates you must be aware of every aspect to your job search. This includes handling counter offers. Commit fully to your job search and realize no amount money, vacation time or improved role will really keep you long-term. Avoid putting yourself in a position where your loyalty will be tested with your new employer and current employer. Don’t take your chances, you might be out two jobs because of one counter offer.