I've been asked this a few times, and my response is "what is your goal in asking that question". I wouldn't say it's stupid or inane, there's no point being r

I've been asked this a few times, and my response is "what is your goal in asking that question". I wouldn't say it's stupid or inane, there's no point being rude. People who ask such a bad and cliched question obviously are not very interested (or experienced) in the job search/interview process, so I try to engage them and get them interested. I've gotten a couple decent answers, and a couple bad ones. The good answers on their part have earned an honest answer on my part, and usually a much-improved interview. The bad ones, I usually clam up and try to end the interview as politely as possible.