Problem 2 The six matchsticks

6. What is the animal you most identify with?
This is another question hiring managers ask to assess your personality and cultural fit. Be creative, and avoid choosing an obvious animal such as a shark or a horse. Also, explain why you chose this animal. Compare its strengths to your skills and the tasks you might perform in the job you are interviewing for.

Example answer: "The animal I most identify with is an octopus. He might seem quiet and unassuming, but he's a master multitasker with those eight limbs, and he can squeeze himself out of nearly any predicament. No one's threatened by the octopus, yet he commands respect. Plus, he lives in a super cool underwater paradise, and one of my favorite pastimes is snorkeling—I try to be out on the water any chance I get."

7. If you had unlimited money, what would you do with it?
Hiring managers ask questions like this to understand your values, passions, motivation and priorities in life. Avoid generic responses such as "buy a new house or car," and offer something that shows your long-term goals and perspectives.

Example answer: "If I had unlimited funds, I would first set aside a certain amount every month to invest in my children's education and future. Then I would spend a couple of months fulfilling one of my lifelong goals: To travel to underdeveloped countries and help build housing and infrastructure. Unlimited money would also allow me to pursue one of my greatest passions in life, which is horses. I could buy a farm and run an equine rescue while also riding and showing my horses all over the country."

8. If a movie was made about your career, what would it be called and who would play your character?
This question allows you to concisely summarize your work history and talent. It also gives hiring managers more insight into your personality and whether you fit the company's culture. Create a movie title that is short and involves what you think is your biggest strength. Match the personality of the lead actor or actress to your own.

One thing to keep in mind is that the idea of “culture fit” can sometimes be used as a way to eliminate and discriminate against candidates, however unknowingly, who don’t think, act or look like existing employees. A better alternative concept you might consider speaking to is “culture add,” or your ability to bring fresh and additive ideas and feedback to the team. Culture adds make the company stronger by diversifying the experiences and perspectives of its workforce.

Example answer: "The movie would be called "The Organizer," and it would be about the most organized project manager the world has ever seen. She's motivated by her desire to get things done on time and without anything falling through the cracks. She'd be played by Nicole Kidman, who shares a similar drive and level of professionalism."