If You Could Have Dinner With Any Person, Dead or Alive, Who Would You Choose?

Have you ever been asked the unexpected interview question, “If you could have dinner with any person, dead or alive, who would you choose?” While it might sound fun or lighthearted, hiring managers often use this question to get a deeper insight into your personality, values, and how you handle creative, on-the-spot questions. Whether you choose a historical figure, a famous innovator, or a personal role model, your answer can reveal a lot about your aspirations and character.

In this guide, we’ll explore why interviewers ask this question, what they’re looking for, and how you can craft the perfect response that showcases both your thoughtful approach and personal values.

What Interviewers Are Looking for in Your Answer

• Quick thinking and creativity: This question is designed to test how well you can think on your feet. Your ability to provide an answer under pressure demonstrates your problem-solving skills and mental agility.
• Your values and interests: The person you choose to dine with can reflect your personal values, interests, and the qualities you admire in others. Your answer gives interviewers a glimpse into what motivates and inspires you.
• Communication skills: How you articulate your reasoning for choosing a particular person is just as important as the choice itself. Interviewers want to hear a well-thought-out explanation that connects your choice to your values, passions, or career aspirations. Your ability to communicate clearly and persuasively is a critical skill in any professional setting.
• Cultural fit: Ultimately, interviewers want to assess how well your personality aligns with the company culture. By choosing someone whose qualities resonate with the company’s values, you’re showing that you’re a good fit for the role and organization.

While there’s no “right” answer to this question, your response can leave a lasting impression if it reflects your true self and shows that you can think critically and communicate effectively.

How to Answer “If You Could Have Dinner With Any Person, Dead or Alive, Who Would You Choose?”

Choose a well-known figure

While it might be tempting to pick someone obscure or personal, like a family member or a lesser-known historical figure, selecting a more widely recognized person can make your answer more relatable and impactful. If you do choose someone less familiar, be prepared to explain who they are and why they’re significant to you.

Example: “I would love to have dinner with Marie Curie, the pioneering scientist. Her groundbreaking work in radiation not only advanced medicine but also opened doors for women in science at a time when it was a male-dominated field.”

Insider tip: If you don’t know who to pick, choose someone whose contributions are well-known in your industry or area of interest. This shows you’re connected to contemporary conversations and influences within your field, making your answer more relevant to the role you’re interviewing for.

Explain your choice thoughtfully

Don’t just name-drop. Instead, take the opportunity to explain why you chose this person and how their qualities or achievements resonate with you. Whether it’s a historical leader, a famous artist, or a modern-day innovator, share what inspires you about them. How do their values, mindset, or contributions align with your own career or life goals?

Example: “I’d pick Steve Jobs because of his visionary approach to technology and innovation. I admire how he transformed industries and led with such creativity and persistence, which I strive to emulate in my own career as a tech entrepreneur.”

Insider tip: Link the person’s qualities or achievements to specific aspects of the role you’re applying for. For instance, if you’re interviewing for a leadership role, explaining how you admire a leader’s determination or innovation will make your answer feel more tailored to the job.

Be genuine and authentic

Above all, choose someone you genuinely admire. Authenticity shines through in your response and makes the conversation more engaging. Interviewers can tell when you’re being sincere, which can leave a more lasting impression. The goal is to give them a glimpse into your personality, interests, and aspirations, so stay true to what matters most to you.

Stay professional and respectful

While it’s great to be genuine, remember this is still a professional setting. Avoid picking controversial or divisive figures that might alienate your interviewer. Keep your tone respectful and appropriate for the context, ensuring that your choice reflects well on your professionalism.

Example: “I would choose Nelson Mandela because of his leadership in fighting for justice and equality. His resilience and moral integrity are qualities I deeply respect and aim to reflect in my own life.”

Insider tip: Avoid figures who are highly polarizing, as they could inadvertently reflect negatively on you. While it’s important to be authentic, keeping your answer respectful and relevant ensures your response won’t risk alienating the interviewer.

How Not to Answer

• Avoid controversial figures: Steer clear of choosing divisive or polarizing personalities that may alienate your interviewer.
• Don’t be overly casual: While the question may seem lighthearted, remember that it’s still a professional setting. Avoid picking celebrities or characters that seem too casual or irrelevant to the conversation.
• Don’t pick someone too obscure: Choosing a little-known figure without explaining who they are could confuse the interviewer and make it difficult for them to connect with your answer.
• Avoid overly generic responses: Answers like “My mom” without context or elaboration may come across as insincere or lacking depth.

Sample Answers to the “Dinner Date” Interview Question

Why this works:
This answer shows the candidate’s admiration for qualities like resilience, creativity, and social impact, which could be valuable in many professional settings. It also connects the choice to the candidate’s personal aspirations, providing a deeper insight into their values.

Why this works:
This answer highlights the candidate’s interest in innovation and leadership, key traits for many roles in tech and business. It also ties the choice to the candidate’s own career goals, making the response feel relevant and personalized.