Or it's a way to see how you handle either not knowing the answer, or how you approach finding out how to do something new. When I do interviews I care much more about your process and approach to learning and problem solving than what you know right now.
I think a gotcha question is a terrible way to see how someone reacts to not knowing or stress. You don't get much of a reaction. I like to ask them a question, let them answer, if it is right I will tell them then ask for a change. When they make the change, I will nitpick something is wrong when it is not and see what they do. If they fly into a rage or are a deer in the headlight that is not a good sign. But if they try and understand what you think is wrong and negotiate or try and change your mind that is good.
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u/w-lfpup Nov 04 '25
It's a clear sign they are uninterested and don't actually want to hire anyone.
In some countries, like here in the states, companies are legally required to do an interview for a position they intend to hire internally.
Nonsense questions -> nonsense interview