What Superpower Would You Have and Why?

You’re not often asked about your favorite superpower in a job interview. But if this quirky question comes up, don’t dismiss it as just for fun—it’s actually a clever way for interviewers to see how you think, how you handle unexpected challenges, and what traits you value. 

Curious about how to turn this fun question into a winning moment? Read on to learn how to give a thoughtful, memorable response that will impress your interviewer and showcase your unique qualities.

What Interviewers Are Looking for When Asking About Your Superpower

• Your ability to think on your feet: Can you stay calm and think creatively, or do you falter when faced with something off-script?
• Your creativity and problem-solving skills: The superpower you choose reveals how you approach challenges. Interviewers are looking for a unique answer that showcases your ability to think outside the box and apply imaginative thinking. This is especially important for roles in creative fields or positions that require innovation.
• Your personality and self-awareness: What you choose and why offers insight into your personality, values, and the way you see yourself in relation to the world. Whether you pick a power tied to efficiency, leadership, or empathy, your answer can reveal whether you’re introspective, collaborative, or solution-oriented.
• Your adaptability and flexibility: Being able to shift from a serious discussion to a more lighthearted, creative one shows how adaptable you are. Interviewers use this question to gauge whether you can easily adjust to changing environments, handle curveballs, and stay flexible in various work settings.
• A peek into your fit for company culture: Your superpower answer can hint at whether you align with the company’s culture. If the company values innovation, a choice like the ability to invent or create instantly may resonate. If teamwork is central, powers that enhance collaboration, like telepathy or empathy, might show you’re the right cultural fit.

How to Answer “What Superpower Would You Have and Why?”

Be strategic with your superpower choice

Your choice of superpower should reflect qualities that are relevant to the role you’re applying for. Choose a superpower that highlights your strengths and attributes, whether it’s problem-solving, leadership, or adaptability. If you’re applying for a leadership role, a superpower that emphasizes influence or decision-making, like the ability to see the future, could be powerful. For a customer service position, empathy or the ability to instantly understand someone’s thoughts could show you understand the importance of connection.

Example: “If I could have any superpower, I’d choose the ability to teleport. In this job, working with clients across different time zones would allow me to quickly connect with them, whether in person or virtually, without wasting time on travel.”

Explain the why behind your choice

While your superpower choice is important, what really makes the answer memorable is your reasoning. Don’t just say, “I’d be invisible”—explain how that power would help you personally or professionally. This allows the interviewer to understand the thought process behind your decision and gives insight into your personality and problem-solving abilities.

Example: “I’d choose the power of superhuman learning. The ability to absorb and apply knowledge instantly would allow me to adapt to new challenges quickly and help me stay ahead in a fast-moving industry. It reflects my drive for continuous learning and my ability to stay agile in my career.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t choose an irrelevant superpower: Avoid picking a superpower that has no connection to the role or your personal strengths. Your answer should highlight traits that are valuable for the job.
• Don’t give a vague or unexplained answer: Simply naming a superpower without explaining why you chose it misses an opportunity to demonstrate your thought process and personality. Always explain how it connects to your skills or the role.
• Don’t pick an overly outlandish or unrealistic power: While creativity is encouraged, choosing a superpower that is too far-fetched (like being able to control time) might make you seem unserious about the role. Keep it grounded and relevant.

Sample Answers to “What Superpower Would You Have and Why?”