June 02, 2023

Interview Question: The Zombie Apocalypse

“The prudent see only the difficulties, the bold only the advantages, of a great enterprise; the hero sees both; diminishes the former and makes the latter preponderate, and so conquers.”
― Johann Kaspar Lavater

How do you find people for your team who are not only smart and skilled but also creative, adaptable, and resourceful?

Well, I ask this question: The zombie apocalypse just started. What do you do?

This question is a great way to gauge how a candidate thinks on their feet and solves problems. It reveals a lot about their personality, values, and motivation too.

I can get a great sense of what kind of person they are and what matters to them. Do they prioritize survival or helping others? Do they prefer to work alone or in a team? Do they have a sense of humor or a serious attitude?

Of course, this isn’t the most important interview question. But it’s an effective way to decrease stress, spark a conversation, and get to know the candidate better.