20 Unconventional Questions To Ask At A Job Interview To Make You Stand Out
Beyond polished resumes or rehearsed answers, job interviews are also about making a connection that lingers. While most candidates stick to predictable chatter and hope to tick the right boxes, standing out takes curiosity that cuts through the noise. If you're bold enough to flip the script, there's power in asking the unexpected. This article reveals 20 questions that shift the room—and possibly your chances.
1. If Your Team Were A Product Or Brand, What Would It Be And Why?
2. Driving Styles And Workflows Often Mirror Each Other—What’s Yours?
3. Has A Past Hiring Choice Ever Changed How You Evaluate Candidates?
4. What’s One Thing You Genuinely Admire About The People Here?
5. On Tough Days Or Busy Weeks, What Keeps You Coming Back?
6. If Resources Weren’t A Limiting Factor, What Would You Build Tomorrow?
7. Can You Recall A Moment When A Major Mistake Led To Something Valuable?
8. If Your Team Were An Animal, What Would It Be—And What Makes That Fit?
9. What’s A Compliment The Team Received That Meant More Than Expected?
10. When Things Get Murky Or Fast-Moving, What’s Your Strategy For Staying Grounded?
11. If You Could Tweak Just One Element Of Your Role Today, What Would You Fine-Tune?
12. What Would You Tell A Younger Version Of Yourself Just Starting This Job?
13. What’s A Misconception People Have About Working Here?
14. Which Achievement At This Company Has Meant The Most To You Personally?
15. How Would You Explain This Job To A Child?
16. What Data Insight Recently Changed The Way Your Team Operates?
17. What Helps You Stay Professionally Curious In Your Role?
18. What’s A Bold Choice You Made At Work That Paid Off?
19. When Someone’s Still Finding Their Footing, How Do You Usually Show Up For Them?
20. What’s Something You Wish More Candidates Asked About Before Joining?
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Night-time roadworks on SH16
From 23 November to 17 December, stop/go traffic management will be in several locations on SH16 between Mabbett Lane and Restall Road (Sundays to Thursdays, 9pm to 5am).
Works will include chipsealing and stormwater improvements. There may be delays to your journey when travelling through the area. Click to find out more.
NZCCM Massage and English Programmes
The New Zealand College of Chinese Medicine (NZCCM) offers industry-focused Massage and English programmes that prepare students for professional practice.
Students gain strong Anatomy and Physiology knowledge, hands-on experience in the student clinic, and pathways into health and wellbeing careers. NZCCM actively incorporates tikanga Māori and Te Ao Māori, partnering with local marae for cultural learning and community treatments.
As Auckland’s only provider of Massage diplomas, NZCCM is enrolling now for February 2026 Programmes include the Level 5 Wellness and Relaxation Massage Diploma and the Level 6 Remedial Massage Diploma, both NZQA-approved with intensive block courses. NZCCM also offers NZCEL Level 4 for academic English preparation.
Open Days will be held on 12 December and 23 January.
Contact: 09 580 2376 or auck@chinesemedicine.ac.nz
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Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.1% Yes
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46.9% No
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