Interviews always follow the same routine pattern: a hiring manager will ask you questions about your career, your skills, and your qualifications. Besides these classic “getting-to-know-you” questions, the interviewer might also ask you some bizarre questions, things like “How many lightbulbs are there in London?”
These and other brain teasers in interviews test an applicant’s creativity and critical thinking abilities. But don’t get miffed – look at these curious questions as a chance to impress your interview with your intellectual confidence and capabilities.
For candidates who want to showcase their quick wit in their next interview, find some tips on how to prepare to be your best right here. Companies want candidates who can think on their feet – give yourself the best shot of landing an exciting new position, and taking your next career step!
The Best Solutions for Tricky Brain Teasers in Interviews
The concept of asking candidates to solve difficult brain teasers in interviews is widely contested among HR managers. But for applicants, it’s definitely in their best interest to get familiar with some of the toughest interview riddles they may be asked. (To get a preview of what you may be asked, check out this collection of classic interview brainteasers from Business Insider.)
Don’t get spooked by crazy questions like this one: “If 564 athletes compete in a tournament, how many matches must be held to determine the winner?” Your interviewer might not expect the correct answer – that’s not what this kind of question is about.
It’s much more about observing your analytical skills and how you approach a problem.
So tackle the problem logically, strategically: you’ll be one step closer to solving the problem by asking more questions about the situation.
Ask if the participants are competing in teams, or individually. This, and other important questions, will help lead you to an answer much faster. In this situation, for example, the answer might be simple: there are two teams, which means only one game must be played. Easy.
How You Should Answer These Questions – And How You Shouldn’t
But of course, don’t forget the beloved standby questions – be ready to explain gaps in your resume, your strengths and weaknesses, and your approach to management situations. HR managers also want to figure out how you deal with stressful situations, and whether you’ll fit in with the rest of the company.
When you’re struggling to answer a question right away, politely ask your interviewer for a moment to consider your answer. With these topics, your interviewer simply wants to get to know your personality better. So to this end, it’s also beneficial for you to be yourself – you want to ensure that you’ll be happy in your new team environment, and that you can integrate with ease.
Be authentic when answering questions, and be concise. If you find yourself rambling, chances are high that you’ll wind up saying something you don’t intend to.
When you’re feeling challenged, never become defensive or aggressive toward your interviewer. If you’re argumentative in your interview, you stand no chance of landing the position.
Review these classic questions that you may be asked in your interview:
- How do you handle criticism?
- Have you ever fired an employee? If yes, then why and how?
- If you were to leave our company in the future, how would your colleagues remember you?
- How would you describe your perfect office environment?
- What is a manager’s responsibility to his employees?
- Do you have any doubts about this position?
- How would you describe your interest in this position?
These, and other questions, help to measure your motivation and other aspects of your personality. They enable the interviewer to find out more about you. By considering these questions in advance, and preparing a rough overview of how you would answer these questions, you’ll undoubtedly improve your chance of advancing.
But when you answer, do so spontaneously and honestly, while staying relaxed and friendly. Remain confident, show your sense of humor. It can only benefit you to be yourself – interviews go both ways!
Sharpening Your Wit
Don’t let odd questions in an interview knock you off your guard. The recruiters and managers who conduct interviews usually have a clear goal. Remain calm, and be confident in your own skills.
Compile your own list of quirky questions, and consider how you would go about answering them. With proper preparation, you’ll be more than ready to enter your interview and secure an exciting senior level position!
