BTO: Taking Care of Business -- "we love to work at nothing all day."
Sort of like when Microsoft used the Stones' "Start Me Up" for Windows 95, in which the lyrics include "You make a grown man cry."
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So, basically, they've already seen that you're fit to do the job, technically speaking. These questions are brilliant to determine what kind of personality you are, how you think, what your MO is, how you cope with whatever comes your way. It tests your flexibility and ingenuity, your wit and your ability to deal with the (seemingly) absurd. I wish these were the sort of questions I'd gotten on some interviews. Or then again: probably not. Happy where I am.
No. The question you must ask is, "Are you really interested in working for a half-witted bunch of idiots?" These guys couldn't do the job themselves for toffee, and they have no idea whether you are capable of doing the job or not. They are just asking stupid questions, like "If you were a button on a calculator, which button would you be?" or "Estimate the number of frogs on a disused railway line from Edinburgh to Manitoba." A candidate can reasonably ask why, for instance, the interviewer hasn't asked them anything about the ability and skills related to the work.
You must realize some of these are from top companies. The fact that they are top companies is no mistake or accident. These questions are unorthodox, but that's why they're so effective. You cannot prepare for "A penguin walks through that door right now wearing a sombrero. What does he say and why is he here?". That's not in any book. Hence, who you really are, your true skills and work ethic, shines through.
Take Google's question: "How many cows are in Canada?". This is for a data evaluator role. Hence, I assume the person will need a strong base in statistics. This is a difficult statistics question, and an unexpected one. They may not expect you to give an answer, but if you can walk them through the process of obtaining the it, then they know you are good candidate.
Take Google's question: "How many cows are in Canada?". This is for a data evaluator role. Hence, I assume the person will need a strong base in statistics. This is a difficult statistics question, and an unexpected one. They may not expect you to give an answer, but if you can walk them through the process of obtaining the it, then they know you are good candidate.
I cringe at the thought of some run-of-the-mill consultancy asking someone "How many cows are in Canada" type questions. They think that if Google does it then it must be a thing successful companies do and thus their company will be successful if they do the same thing.
If the interviewer is not aware of precisely why this question is asked, what it is trying to determine, and how to evaluate responses, it will all be a waste of time. Most interviewers haven't the slightest clue how to evaluate how a candidate thinks.
Incidentally, that question about the penguin and the sombrero is the dumbest thing I've ever heard of. What useful information could you possibly gain from the candidate's answer, other than perhaps to gauge the candidate's ability to convincingly B.S. you. Maybe that's what these questions are really designed to assess. For a consultancy, that would make total sense.
If the interviewer is not aware of precisely why this question is asked, what it is trying to determine, and how to evaluate responses, it will all be a waste of time. Most interviewers haven't the slightest clue how to evaluate how a candidate thinks.
Incidentally, that question about the penguin and the sombrero is the dumbest thing I've ever heard of. What useful information could you possibly gain from the candidate's answer, other than perhaps to gauge the candidate's ability to convincingly B.S. you. Maybe that's what these questions are really designed to assess. For a consultancy, that would make total sense.
I agree with your first two paragraphs. I think the penguin question is more a way to see your personality than your skills (to see if you fit in with the culture), though I don't really see the point of explaining that he's wearing a sombrero.
The one question I think is kind of dumb is the Jeff Bezos one. If I had a million dollar idea, I wouldn't give it away in an interview.
The one question I think is kind of dumb is the Jeff Bezos one. If I had a million dollar idea, I wouldn't give it away in an interview.
It shows linear vs spacial focus. Some will fixate on the Sombrero and look for a humourous, mexican comment.
Others will wonder why an penguin from the south pole was in Mexico.
There is no correct or incorrect answer but it illustrates thought process, or lack of it.
Others will wonder why an penguin from the south pole was in Mexico.
There is no correct or incorrect answer but it illustrates thought process, or lack of it.
None. C.A.N.A.D.A not one O, W or S so there are no COWS in Canada, just the C.
I'd rather be hit with one of these than the contrived standard HR questions - what are your strengths and weaknesses? being the chief offender.
If you can identify on your weaknesses and sell them as a strength, you win every time because most people don't. Most people focus on strengths instead, thinking that knowing your weaknesses is...a weakness.
I always say, my weaknesses are my strengths. I am able to identify my weaknesses and work on them to build them into strengths. In essence, the ability to identify weaknesses is a strength.
After I explain this I always ask, "Out of sheer curiosity, what are YOUR weaknesses?" or "What would you say the companies weaknesses are? This shows that you understand everyone has weaknesses and it's not the end of the world, it's being aware of weaknesses that matters, It also usually becomes a 10 minute segue where you can lower the staunch, professional focus of the meeting and make it a bit more of a conversational interview, which is where you can make the most ground and take control of the interview.
I always say, my weaknesses are my strengths. I am able to identify my weaknesses and work on them to build them into strengths. In essence, the ability to identify weaknesses is a strength.
After I explain this I always ask, "Out of sheer curiosity, what are YOUR weaknesses?" or "What would you say the companies weaknesses are? This shows that you understand everyone has weaknesses and it's not the end of the world, it's being aware of weaknesses that matters, It also usually becomes a 10 minute segue where you can lower the staunch, professional focus of the meeting and make it a bit more of a conversational interview, which is where you can make the most ground and take control of the interview.
That your middle paragraph is so contrived and lacking in substance is precisely why I detest the strengths and weaknesses question.
Agree with much of your last paragraph - although I'd never be direct/rude enough to turn it on the interviewer, shifting the conversation back to the company itself is a good shout.
Agree with much of your last paragraph - although I'd never be direct/rude enough to turn it on the interviewer, shifting the conversation back to the company itself is a good shout.
Just so I'm clear, because you don't understand the question being asked, you assume the interviewers and employees are a bunch of half-witted idiots? I rarely go an interview without asking a question along the lines of how many quarter does it take to get to the top of the empire state building or if they have expressed an interest in a particular sport, substitute the empire state building for the cross-bar of a soccer goal or hockey post. I don't care about the right answer. I want to see 2 things: 1) Can you logical think through a problem without giving up using context clues and 2) How do you react under pressure. Both are critical aspects of the jobs my employees perform and if they aren't capable of producing an answer and substantiating it with reasonable thought, they are not a viable candidate.
I'm sorry that you aren't capable of understanding the question being asked, but that doesn't make the rest of us unintelligent.
I'm sorry that you aren't capable of understanding the question being asked, but that doesn't make the rest of us unintelligent.
Shows what exactly. An average 11 year old can do the arithmetic. Or the joke answer the lift is free.
So what have you found out.
Your candidate can do basic arithmetic
Or they read the 25 page paperback, questions you might be asked in an interview.
So what exactly have you said with such a question.
I have only basic arithmetic skills
I find even the simplest exercise in logic so stressful it brings out the best in me...
I have a childish sense of humour
I don't know what I'm doing but I found this book in a waiting room, it's great, better still the writing's really big, there are only few pages, so I read it in the week before I had to start interview.
And most of all
I can't be arsed, I'm just going through the motions
The real problem isn't you being stupid, or us thinking you are stupid, it's you thinking your clever because you are on the boss side of the table.
So what have you found out.
Your candidate can do basic arithmetic
Or they read the 25 page paperback, questions you might be asked in an interview.
So what exactly have you said with such a question.
I have only basic arithmetic skills
I find even the simplest exercise in logic so stressful it brings out the best in me...
I have a childish sense of humour
I don't know what I'm doing but I found this book in a waiting room, it's great, better still the writing's really big, there are only few pages, so I read it in the week before I had to start interview.
And most of all
I can't be arsed, I'm just going through the motions
The real problem isn't you being stupid, or us thinking you are stupid, it's you thinking your clever because you are on the boss side of the table.
'How does YOUR brain think' is the question.
you on the roof.
That you don't count the height of the housing for the elevator.
Any signage, target lights for low flying arabs
Radio masts
We are taslking HR people here, you give them an answer that isn't on the answer page they were given, you are wrong..
That you don't count the height of the housing for the elevator.
Any signage, target lights for low flying arabs
Radio masts
We are taslking HR people here, you give them an answer that isn't on the answer page they were given, you are wrong..
Such questions are generally to segregate those who will work, such as yourself as you don't see anything but a question, and those who will drive a team and build the company, the ones who are amused by such questions and offer some creativity in their answers.
So as you can see here, some are intrigued by the questions, others (such as yourself) see them as ridiculous.
So as you can see here, some are intrigued by the questions, others (such as yourself) see them as ridiculous.
In an interview for an IT Managerial position, I was asked these questions:
1. What is your favorite movie? - I always answer "The Lion King" because it's about getting what is rightfully mine.
2. If you were to be President for a day, what would you do? I answered: I would concentrate on education because education is the country's future so we can have better citizens who can do well at their jobs or businesses.
There were many others of these types of questions but I remember these two quite well.
Oh, I did not get the job or even a call back.
1. What is your favorite movie? - I always answer "The Lion King" because it's about getting what is rightfully mine.
2. If you were to be President for a day, what would you do? I answered: I would concentrate on education because education is the country's future so we can have better citizens who can do well at their jobs or businesses.
There were many others of these types of questions but I remember these two quite well.
Oh, I did not get the job or even a call back.
Your answer to 2. was good, but your answer to one may raise concerns about entitlement issues.
Well, in the movie Simba lost everything to his mean Uncle Scar who wanted the whole kingdom to himself. Simba grew up and with Nala's prodding decided to go back and claim what was rightfully his, especially after seeing how devastated Pride Rock was after Scar's plundering reign. He was able to rally the lionesses to support him and ultimately overthrew Scar.
RIGHTFULLY HIS or RIGHTFULLY MINE.
Nothing is "RIGHTFULLY" anyone's, unless you are one of those who feel entitled. A sense of entitlement will kill any opportunities at the door,
Nothing is "RIGHTFULLY" anyone's, unless you are one of those who feel entitled. A sense of entitlement will kill any opportunities at the door,
Did you see the movie? I suggest you watch it first. Simba WAS entitled by birthright to rule Pride Rock.
Your answer to 2 would just show me that you are a parrot - you parroted the same bland answer that 90% of the applicants gave.
On the other hand, getting what is rightfully yours could mean that you expect that if you work hard and succeed, that you will move up in the company. That is called ambition, and lots of companies are looking for that.
As always, what you say and what it percieved can be totally different depending on the person receiving the message.
On the other hand, getting what is rightfully yours could mean that you expect that if you work hard and succeed, that you will move up in the company. That is called ambition, and lots of companies are looking for that.
As always, what you say and what it percieved can be totally different depending on the person receiving the message.
Parrot? You don't know where I live so you possibly could not know what issues the country I live in is facing. I could have talked about running the Department of Finance, or fixing corruption, or take steps to end Poverty etc. etc. Hardly any focus is given to education.
So, what would be your "spicy" answer to number 2?
So, what would be your "spicy" answer to number 2?
But your answer to number two still sounded like an answer in a beauty pageant. Regardless, education would be high on most candidates answers. The question is more to do with "how" you would do things. Which leads us on to how we would answer any of the questions and what we want to show our interviewers.
If I was asked how, I would ask the interviewer if he/she has at least 30 minutes for me to be able to explain how. Given the limited time for the interview, that's how much I could say.
Say you wouldn't take the job and why. Everyone has something (generally narcissistic) that they'd like to do if they were president. Humble out and turn it down, there are a gazillion reasons not to as well.
It doesn't show a lack of ambition, not everyone wants to be president, I sure as hell wouldn't, but it's not because I lack ambition but more so because I have integrity and credibility that would be jeopardized in such a role.
It doesn't show a lack of ambition, not everyone wants to be president, I sure as hell wouldn't, but it's not because I lack ambition but more so because I have integrity and credibility that would be jeopardized in such a role.
The only reason cookie-cutter beauty pageant questions like #2 are asked is because the plain-vanilla company wants to make sure they are hiring someone who uses the proper stock answer. These companies do not want free thinkers and use questions like this to weed them out.
Company's are looking for free thinkers not drones. The same question can be asked for many different reasons, just matters what you are looking for. I haven't seen it used to weed out free thinkers, but I've seen it used plenty of times to focus on them and weed out the drones.
Many people will move up in a company if they work hard and succeed at their roles. The sense of ENTITLEMENT that IF you do work hard you will be rewarded with more than your arranged salary/role for working hard it raises more than one red flag.
1) You will leave if you don' t progress
2) Your motivation to succeed and work hard is not because that is the job you were hired for but that you expect an increase in responsibility and pay if you work hard
It's not AMBITION in any way. It's expectation and entitlement, just as the first question was.
Funny how they both came up from the same person, making him seem as if he expects more than he was hired for and would leave if he doesn't move up fast enough. I would hire him/you based on those answers, nor recommend to other employers.
1) You will leave if you don' t progress
2) Your motivation to succeed and work hard is not because that is the job you were hired for but that you expect an increase in responsibility and pay if you work hard
It's not AMBITION in any way. It's expectation and entitlement, just as the first question was.
Funny how they both came up from the same person, making him seem as if he expects more than he was hired for and would leave if he doesn't move up fast enough. I would hire him/you based on those answers, nor recommend to other employers.
Next candidate please, thank you Mr. Mukhi we will call you if you are shortlisted for the next interview stage.
"What's rightfully mine" Very possessive, not team focused, selfish etc.
Question 2 not a good one either. What if the employer is a high school drop out who made it on his own, doesn't believe in formal qualifications and is looking for a FIT rather than formal knowledge? That actually fits a great deal of today's most successful business owners.
"What's rightfully mine" Very possessive, not team focused, selfish etc.
Question 2 not a good one either. What if the employer is a high school drop out who made it on his own, doesn't believe in formal qualifications and is looking for a FIT rather than formal knowledge? That actually fits a great deal of today's most successful business owners.
...from an International bank. I am quite sure she was at least a College graduate.
The first time I was presented with the clock question I blew all the other candidates out of the water by asking for a piece of paper and solving the puzzle. It's not difficult, the idea of questions like this is often to test how well candidates can think on their feet when something unexpected comes along. Nobody knows how many cars there are on the road network right now, or how many windows there are in New York or similar, but it's possible to take a best guess based on some guesstimates. You know, if there are 10m people in the city, living two to a property that makes 5m properties, times four windows per property makes 20m windows, plus maybe another 10m for offices, total 30m windows. Could be way off the mark, the interviewer probably wants to see some form of thought process rather than a blank look and an answer that boils down to "no idea"
edited out comment.. thought it sounded snarky after I woke up and had some caffeine.
sorry about that.
sorry about that.
Google is famous for asking Fermi questions to see if candidates can make estimations.
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fermi_problem
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fermi_problem
@Not~SpamR - you needed a piece of paper to work it out? I don't want to be offensive, but I'd have thought the mere act of asking for a piece of paper would be enough to put someone on the "rejected" pile....
Don't forget car windows, windows of opportunity, eyes (windows to the soul). MS OS . . .
Fail.
Mind you as a developer I'd have to ask for clarification, angle from what and in which direction.
Oh and is this a 24 hour clock?
Mind you as a developer I'd have to ask for clarification, angle from what and in which direction.
Oh and is this a 24 hour clock?
How did having a piece of paper help?
360 degress in a circle = 30 degrees for every 5 minutes. Answer is 60 degrees.
What makes you think you blew the other candidates out of the water?
360 degress in a circle = 30 degrees for every 5 minutes. Answer is 60 degrees.
What makes you think you blew the other candidates out of the water?
It's actually 54 degrees since the hands are not 10 ticks apart. The minute hand is on 50 and the hour hand is at the 59 position, not straight up.
Answer = none. You don't have the correct letters in Canada to spell cow. Just mho.
8 days a week................
That penguin says nothing and it took a left at Albuquerque........
That penguin says nothing and it took a left at Albuquerque........
Some are just so asinine, that any company asking them deserves to get what they get...and not necessarily the best person. Really smart people will recognize those questions as such and go elsewhere.
As for the number of cows in Canada, only a company intimately connected with the dairy industry, either in Canada or in the US dairy import/export business would have any interest in asking it of a candidate.
As for the number of cows in Canada, only a company intimately connected with the dairy industry, either in Canada or in the US dairy import/export business would have any interest in asking it of a candidate.
The questions are actually quite brilliant. Most of these are from top companies. The fact that they are top companies is no mistake or accident. These questions are unorthodox, but that's why they're so effective. You cannot prepare for "A penguin walks through that door right now wearing a sombrero. What does he say and why is he here?". That's not in any book. There's no textbook, bland answer for that. Hence, your personality, your true skills, and your work ethic will shine through.
Consider Google's question: "How many cows are in Canada?". This is for a data evaluator role. Hence, I assume the person will need a strong base in statistics. This is a difficult statistics question (a Fermi problem), and an unexpected one. They may not be expecting an exact answer, but if you can walk them through the process of obtaining one then they know you are good candidate.
Consider Google's question: "How many cows are in Canada?". This is for a data evaluator role. Hence, I assume the person will need a strong base in statistics. This is a difficult statistics question (a Fermi problem), and an unexpected one. They may not be expecting an exact answer, but if you can walk them through the process of obtaining one then they know you are good candidate.
that we have some desire to perform for some berk who googled these off the internet.
Go type How many cows in canada in google...
A fermi type approach to solving the problem didnlt get a mention.
Have to wait until their robot goes through TR and finds these posts...
Go type How many cows in canada in google...
A fermi type approach to solving the problem didnlt get a mention.
Have to wait until their robot goes through TR and finds these posts...
I mentioned that was a Fermi question yesterday myself.
Love me some Fermi!
Love me some Fermi!
Isn't working for someone, regardless of whether you enjoy it or not, performing for someone? The employer just wants to get an idea of what type/quality of performance you will give. Not entirely dissimilar to reading a review on a play. Sadly, there aren't scores of critics lining up to review all potential employees. So they rely on creative questions to get a feel for candidates.
Regarding the Fermi approach: just because it didn't get a mention doesn't mean it isn't accurate. Also, see BFilmFan's comment.
Regarding the Fermi approach: just because it didn't get a mention doesn't mean it isn't accurate. Also, see BFilmFan's comment.
the interview, that's different.
Everything around this article reeks of the presumption that the candidate acknowledges the inferiority of their position.
If what you want is a blow job, find a prostitute, don't presume that I want to work for you so badly I brought my knee pads and some viagra, so you can have two!
They are interviewing me, I'm interviewing them. At least one us is failing badly.
Everything around this article reeks of the presumption that the candidate acknowledges the inferiority of their position.
If what you want is a blow job, find a prostitute, don't presume that I want to work for you so badly I brought my knee pads and some viagra, so you can have two!
They are interviewing me, I'm interviewing them. At least one us is failing badly.
Regarding your comment below, it's still a question most wouldn't expect.
To address the comment I'm actually replying to: you may not be getting paid for the interview, but (to continue my previous example) you don't pay for a movie/play review either. Your resum may say that you have X or Y skill, but that's pretty meaningless until I see it in action for myself. That's the purpose of some of the questions.
Also, just because you have the ability to work somewhere doesn't mean you'll fit in. That is the purpose of most of the other questions (like the penguin question).
Meanwhile, it seems you feel like answering these questions makes you inferior (or rather makes the interviewer feel superior), but I don't think that's the case. Why would you feel that way? I'm quite curious... Answering a difficult or unorthodox question does not put you in an inferior position, it's simply a means to find out more about a candidate.
Finally, regarding the bj example... WTF?
To address the comment I'm actually replying to: you may not be getting paid for the interview, but (to continue my previous example) you don't pay for a movie/play review either. Your resum may say that you have X or Y skill, but that's pretty meaningless until I see it in action for myself. That's the purpose of some of the questions.
Also, just because you have the ability to work somewhere doesn't mean you'll fit in. That is the purpose of most of the other questions (like the penguin question).
Meanwhile, it seems you feel like answering these questions makes you inferior (or rather makes the interviewer feel superior), but I don't think that's the case. Why would you feel that way? I'm quite curious... Answering a difficult or unorthodox question does not put you in an inferior position, it's simply a means to find out more about a candidate.
Finally, regarding the bj example... WTF?
You started your response to me with you have to perform in an interview just like you would if you were working there.
No I don't. You want me to perform, you first. I can lend you some knee pads I bought much earlier in career.
No I don't. You want me to perform, you first. I can lend you some knee pads I bought much earlier in career.
Ah, I see. You have an interesting concept of what an interview should be. Regardless, I think this discussion proved my point. If I asked you one of these questions (most of which I thoroughly enjoyed), you would've probably been annoyed and would've given an annoyed answer (if you answered at all). Hence, I would know that, while you may be a talented developer, you're not the kind of person I'd enjoy working with. I wouldn't know that until I hired you if I just asked cookie cutter questions. That doesn't make either one of us better than the other, just different. It would NOT mean you aren't qualified for the job, but if there were someone else with your talents and who gave me what I considered a better answer, I'd hire them.
No matter what your personality, we all usually react to cookie cutter questions with cookie cutter answers. With unorthodox questions, skills AND personality shine through. In fact, it's these questions that have revealed a difference in our personalities and, in doing so, have fueled this discussion. We have different opinions and that's fine (beautiful, even). That's, in part, why there are different types of corporate culture and why it's so important to find people who fit in with your culture.
P.S. Also, props for staying civil. A lot of people would have devolved into an obscenity spouting, screaming pile of hate by now.
No matter what your personality, we all usually react to cookie cutter questions with cookie cutter answers. With unorthodox questions, skills AND personality shine through. In fact, it's these questions that have revealed a difference in our personalities and, in doing so, have fueled this discussion. We have different opinions and that's fine (beautiful, even). That's, in part, why there are different types of corporate culture and why it's so important to find people who fit in with your culture.
P.S. Also, props for staying civil. A lot of people would have devolved into an obscenity spouting, screaming pile of hate by now.
Unless your trying to find one of those fluffy programmers that doesn't know any code, but can ace an interview.
If you asked me these sorts of questions, I'd know I wouldn't enjoy working for the company.
The mistake these questions really make is they are an imposition.
There are no expected adult responses to them, and that I won't tolerate, more to the point I don't have to, and 'you' haven't given me a reason why I should.
My that was a bit controlling parent wasn't it?
Tip to communicate effectively you now have to respond as child.
The mistake these questions really make is they are an imposition.
There are no expected adult responses to them, and that I won't tolerate, more to the point I don't have to, and 'you' haven't given me a reason why I should.
My that was a bit controlling parent wasn't it?
Tip to communicate effectively you now have to respond as child.
The worst of the lot is the million dollar idea one.
The question you ask say a lot about you.
I mean we've all read the list of questions a candidate shouldn't ask at an interview, haven't we?
How long are the lunch breaks and how many of them are there?
Some of these should be on the list of questions you shouldn't ask a candidate
The question you ask say a lot about you.
I mean we've all read the list of questions a candidate shouldn't ask at an interview, haven't we?
How long are the lunch breaks and how many of them are there?
Some of these should be on the list of questions you shouldn't ask a candidate
Or the answer doesn't matter?
But the answer always matters! (in my mind)
What would you do with a million dollars?
Pay off debt of course, its the logical answer.
I could say, I'm going to use it to build cheap housing for the homeless. But neither says much about me, its a useless question.
Unless they are looking for a illogical IT worker....
But the answer always matters! (in my mind)
What would you do with a million dollars?
Pay off debt of course, its the logical answer.
I could say, I'm going to use it to build cheap housing for the homeless. But neither says much about me, its a useless question.
Unless they are looking for a illogical IT worker....
You consider the questions an imposition. Fair enough. We simply have different opinions on this one. Meanwhile, why the down vote?
This discussion has been taken to The Water Cooler / View thread
I interview the employer as much as I LET the employer interview me.
You can completely turn the interview around if you want and put you in the seat where the employer is qualifying his company for you instead.
The questions, while silly do have purpose though, IF the interviewer knows why he's asking them. I get of easy though, I can have all kinds of answers that will see me fit for my roles, in fact, the more bizarre the better.
You can completely turn the interview around if you want and put you in the seat where the employer is qualifying his company for you instead.
The questions, while silly do have purpose though, IF the interviewer knows why he's asking them. I get of easy though, I can have all kinds of answers that will see me fit for my roles, in fact, the more bizarre the better.
I asked our programmer a few and he took quite a while as he was working out a mathematical solution. His mind is very boxed in the sense that it is step by step problem solving.
"Well the Empire state building is 443 metres, as for the quarter...is it Canadian or American, flat or on edge? etc.
I could rabble off a half dozen completely different answers to each question without any thought at all, and yet that fits my roles. Mathematically they would all be incorrect but I am not hired for my math skills.
"Well the Empire state building is 443 metres, as for the quarter...is it Canadian or American, flat or on edge? etc.
I could rabble off a half dozen completely different answers to each question without any thought at all, and yet that fits my roles. Mathematically they would all be incorrect but I am not hired for my math skills.
If I asked one of them for a developer/programmer type role.
I'd expect a bunch of questions in response. the only way to give a direct answer (short of reading it unside down from teh interviewer's notes) would be to make a huge number of assumptions. That would disqualify anybody except a junior, and put a junior right at the bottom of the list.
It's another age old problem, do you give the inquisitor the answer you think they want, or the answer you think they need. I tend to go for the latter straight off, unless they are dressed in red and talk latin.
I'd expect a bunch of questions in response. the only way to give a direct answer (short of reading it unside down from teh interviewer's notes) would be to make a huge number of assumptions. That would disqualify anybody except a junior, and put a junior right at the bottom of the list.
It's another age old problem, do you give the inquisitor the answer you think they want, or the answer you think they need. I tend to go for the latter straight off, unless they are dressed in red and talk latin.
Google asked the question. At least the first page of hits on Google was about the question not the answer.
Which is an other problem isn't it?. You aren't surprising a candidate with it, you are now getting a canned answer.
Might as well ask why manhole covers are round or what are your strengths and weaknesses.
Which is an other problem isn't it?. You aren't surprising a candidate with it, you are now getting a canned answer.
Might as well ask why manhole covers are round or what are your strengths and weaknesses.
That isn't the same as there is a right answer, a few valid and logical reasons actually.
What are your strengths and weaknesses shows a persons ability to self analyze and focus on self improvement.
Tony, much like myself, you go to an interview to qualify the company to hire you. I have walked out of more than one interview, if they make it past my phone screenings too. I find these questions do have purpose when properly used but I also find many companies just ask to see what kind of answers they get with little or no idea of why they are asking the question to begin with, making any answer irrelevant.
Living in Canada you have no idea how many start ups I see here that follow US lead and crash and burn in the process. I've had recruiters call me to pitch a job for Canadian start up that had based it's payscale on US laws. By the end of the conversation I was giving him contact info to friends at the BC Employment Standards branch so he could report them (they weren't adhering to Canadian employment laws, but to US laws which don't fly here because they favour the employer and screw the employee). That's happened twice actually, even the recruiter didn't realize they intended on breaking provincial employment laws. With the second one, the company decided to operate their 'Canadian offices' out of the US because they couldn't get away with screwing over Canadian employees the way they can in the US.
It's also fun to ask the employer a few similar questions. After the interviewer has drones on aimlessly for a while and asks is there anything you want to know about our company?
"Why do YOU work here?"
"What do YOU feel the company's greatest contribution to its employees is?"
"What are the company's strengths and weaknesses?"
"What type of car do I get, my outside image is very important to my success."
I have fun with it, I'll even ask typical interview questions like these just for a shitsngiggles, if I've decided I don't want to work there anyway, the questions get more creative until the interviewer is at a loss for words . That's IF I get stuck with an interviewer, usually it's with the owner and they have a much better sense of HA HA when it comes to silly recruiting questions.
What are your strengths and weaknesses shows a persons ability to self analyze and focus on self improvement.
Tony, much like myself, you go to an interview to qualify the company to hire you. I have walked out of more than one interview, if they make it past my phone screenings too. I find these questions do have purpose when properly used but I also find many companies just ask to see what kind of answers they get with little or no idea of why they are asking the question to begin with, making any answer irrelevant.
Living in Canada you have no idea how many start ups I see here that follow US lead and crash and burn in the process. I've had recruiters call me to pitch a job for Canadian start up that had based it's payscale on US laws. By the end of the conversation I was giving him contact info to friends at the BC Employment Standards branch so he could report them (they weren't adhering to Canadian employment laws, but to US laws which don't fly here because they favour the employer and screw the employee). That's happened twice actually, even the recruiter didn't realize they intended on breaking provincial employment laws. With the second one, the company decided to operate their 'Canadian offices' out of the US because they couldn't get away with screwing over Canadian employees the way they can in the US.
It's also fun to ask the employer a few similar questions. After the interviewer has drones on aimlessly for a while and asks is there anything you want to know about our company?
"Why do YOU work here?"
"What do YOU feel the company's greatest contribution to its employees is?"
"What are the company's strengths and weaknesses?"
"What type of car do I get, my outside image is very important to my success."
I have fun with it, I'll even ask typical interview questions like these just for a shitsngiggles, if I've decided I don't want to work there anyway, the questions get more creative until the interviewer is at a loss for words . That's IF I get stuck with an interviewer, usually it's with the owner and they have a much better sense of HA HA when it comes to silly recruiting questions.
for so much dissatisfaction with these questions, is the total lack of context.
It's all too easy to see some HR Numpty grabbing a random selection of these to interview some unfortunate for the role of office cleaner.
It's all too easy to see some HR Numpty grabbing a random selection of these to interview some unfortunate for the role of office cleaner.
1: Considering the economic problems in the USA. I would suggest selling Alaska to Canada or russia.
2: None, can't make Canada into a cow.
3: Well I would need to know the height of the tower and the thickness of a quarter. Also I would have to cement each one together and shape them in a triangle formation. otherwise they will just fall over.
4: The penguin says nothing, penguins can't speak. Maybe he is the iKea penguin?
5: Fake it by Seether.
6: Pay off mortgage, that's about a million dollars now in todays money.
7: Gas mileage.
8: Good
9: Just a second while I use my phone to google that.
10: Yes but I am applying for a programming position.
11: Whatever was in the fridge since you came without notice.
12: In a perfect world, they would use that magical universal translator from star trek.
13: With a can of tuna, some mayonnaise, and some bread.
14: What sort of Vacations do you and your wife like? Driving (road trip), beaches? cold? scenery?
15: I would have them exercise their skills and their weaknesses.
16: What defines a window?
17: I have no favorite song, but I am a metal head so you really don't want me to try and perform.
18: 35 degrees
19: No
20: I can't, I prefer my current parents. They are celebrities to me.
21: Spork, I usually like to scoop things but occasionally I need to stab it.
22: Just a moment while I rip the battery out of this thing.
23: 7
24: I'd still be me, just a richer and better looking version of me.
25: I would ask them how they want their omelet cooked and instruct them in the method that will give them the results they want.
So how did I do?
2: None, can't make Canada into a cow.
3: Well I would need to know the height of the tower and the thickness of a quarter. Also I would have to cement each one together and shape them in a triangle formation. otherwise they will just fall over.
4: The penguin says nothing, penguins can't speak. Maybe he is the iKea penguin?
5: Fake it by Seether.
6: Pay off mortgage, that's about a million dollars now in todays money.
7: Gas mileage.
8: Good
9: Just a second while I use my phone to google that.
10: Yes but I am applying for a programming position.
11: Whatever was in the fridge since you came without notice.
12: In a perfect world, they would use that magical universal translator from star trek.
13: With a can of tuna, some mayonnaise, and some bread.
14: What sort of Vacations do you and your wife like? Driving (road trip), beaches? cold? scenery?
15: I would have them exercise their skills and their weaknesses.
16: What defines a window?
17: I have no favorite song, but I am a metal head so you really don't want me to try and perform.
18: 35 degrees
19: No
20: I can't, I prefer my current parents. They are celebrities to me.
21: Spork, I usually like to scoop things but occasionally I need to stab it.
22: Just a moment while I rip the battery out of this thing.
23: 7
24: I'd still be me, just a richer and better looking version of me.
25: I would ask them how they want their omelet cooked and instruct them in the method that will give them the results they want.
So how did I do?
1) None of them, Canada relies on US consumption to drive our economy.
2) Only a C in Canada, can't spell cow (match there)
3) Depends how much they charge for the elevator to the top
4)Nothing, unless it's a cartoon. Is there a reward for it's return?
5) Taking Care of Business or Die With Your Boots On.
6)None of your business until I get IP and copyrights sorted out.
7)What the guy in front of me is doing
8) I used to have a system but I forgot what it was
9)Name one!
10)I'll sell Peter Piper a washing machine to clean up with after picking all those peppers.
11) I'd prepare a cab ride to a decent restaurant. I only cook for dates.
12)In a perfect world I wouldn't need to communicate with anyone.
13)By sandwiching tuna between bread, how else?
14)Two different places so that you both get to enjoy yourselves.
15)Take my two most attractive chefs (American TV), out bling the competition (American TV).
16)None, there's only one W and nothing else.
17)Sorry, Lemmy has a more gravelly voice than me and I can' t sing Helloween songs.
18) Depends if it's AM or PM (just to throw off the question) between 33 to 35 degrees.
19)Yes but I stopped doing it due to low resale value.
20)My Parents ARE celebrities!
21)The sharpest knife in the drawer. That way I do my job best without putting others in harm's way.
22) I'm gonna take this, it bypassed being silent so it has to be more important than your questions.
23)That depends if I am hired or not, it's quite subjective at this point.
24)My mom, if I can't be myself I may as well be the one who created me.
25) Show them how I cook myself an omelet. That way I get one too and I know it's cooked properly.
2) Only a C in Canada, can't spell cow (match there)
3) Depends how much they charge for the elevator to the top
4)Nothing, unless it's a cartoon. Is there a reward for it's return?
5) Taking Care of Business or Die With Your Boots On.
6)None of your business until I get IP and copyrights sorted out.
7)What the guy in front of me is doing
8) I used to have a system but I forgot what it was
9)Name one!
10)I'll sell Peter Piper a washing machine to clean up with after picking all those peppers.
11) I'd prepare a cab ride to a decent restaurant. I only cook for dates.
12)In a perfect world I wouldn't need to communicate with anyone.
13)By sandwiching tuna between bread, how else?
14)Two different places so that you both get to enjoy yourselves.
15)Take my two most attractive chefs (American TV), out bling the competition (American TV).
16)None, there's only one W and nothing else.
17)Sorry, Lemmy has a more gravelly voice than me and I can' t sing Helloween songs.
18) Depends if it's AM or PM (just to throw off the question) between 33 to 35 degrees.
19)Yes but I stopped doing it due to low resale value.
20)My Parents ARE celebrities!
21)The sharpest knife in the drawer. That way I do my job best without putting others in harm's way.
22) I'm gonna take this, it bypassed being silent so it has to be more important than your questions.
23)That depends if I am hired or not, it's quite subjective at this point.
24)My mom, if I can't be myself I may as well be the one who created me.
25) Show them how I cook myself an omelet. That way I get one too and I know it's cooked properly.
1 Florida. Why not?
2 As many cows as there are in Canada.
3 A lot.
4 He's here to ask you "What have you been smoking, dude?"
5 "Maniac"
6 Not before you sign a non-disclosure agreement.
7 Driving.
8 What was the question?
9 Albert Einstein, Mother Theresa, Aung San Suu Kyi
10 No.
11 Something edible.
12 Telepathy.
13 Slice a tuna lengthwise, insert lettuce, tomato, onion, seasoning, some lemon juice, slice in half and fasten with a long toothpick.
14 What kind of places do you and your wife like to visit?
15 I don't like to cook.
16 Are you talking about the Operating System or architectural?
17 "The Sound of Silence" ...silence...
18 Large hand approx. 350 Small hand approx. 357
19 No. Why? Are some missing?
20 No thank you. My parents were perfectly good.
21 I wouldn't.
22 Sorry...gas.
23 I'm sorry, but I don't rate on the first interview.
24 No one else, because then I couldn't be me...and I like being me.
25 I wouldn't. Cooking an omelet is a personal experience, best kept personal.
2 As many cows as there are in Canada.
3 A lot.
4 He's here to ask you "What have you been smoking, dude?"
5 "Maniac"
6 Not before you sign a non-disclosure agreement.
7 Driving.
8 What was the question?
9 Albert Einstein, Mother Theresa, Aung San Suu Kyi
10 No.
11 Something edible.
12 Telepathy.
13 Slice a tuna lengthwise, insert lettuce, tomato, onion, seasoning, some lemon juice, slice in half and fasten with a long toothpick.
14 What kind of places do you and your wife like to visit?
15 I don't like to cook.
16 Are you talking about the Operating System or architectural?
17 "The Sound of Silence" ...silence...
18 Large hand approx. 350 Small hand approx. 357
19 No. Why? Are some missing?
20 No thank you. My parents were perfectly good.
21 I wouldn't.
22 Sorry...gas.
23 I'm sorry, but I don't rate on the first interview.
24 No one else, because then I couldn't be me...and I like being me.
25 I wouldn't. Cooking an omelet is a personal experience, best kept personal.
"My best entrepreneurial idea is the one I'm working on with Patent Pending that will put you out of business"
"When I was in my car on the way here, I was thinking how stupid this interview could be and you just proved it"
"On my last job I worked for IT where two managers were married to each other in violation of the law against conflict of interest and an IT Director whose last words to me were, 'I don't know what I am doing' -- so my question to you is, do you have adults working here that have one shred of integrity?"
"If you came to dinner, I would serve you Fugu, but I have to warn you, it's my first time preparing it"
"Why would I steal a pen at work when I have my own perfectly good Parker and an advanced mechanical pencil?"
"There are as many cows in Canada as there needs to be"
"In a perfect world, what need would there be for communication?"
"The three Nobel Prize winners before me? Why would I bother after I got the prize?"
"I rate you a big fat zero"
"I would get rid of the state of confusion, but unfortunately, the administration has a lock on that one"
"I wouldn't want to be anyone else, particularly I wouldn't want to be you"
"Omelet? Omelet? I'd tell them how to make the perfect Souffl -- you people don't have much vision or imagination, do you?"
"I'd tell you who I'd pick for celebrity parents, but you've never heard of them"
"My memory is better than yours: I'll remember this long after you've forgotten me -- but that shouldn't be hard seeing as how I've noticed that you have to keep consulting your note cards to remember the questions"
Actually, I would say, "I'm retired; you are the weakest link! Goodbye!"
You have to know I like the "Fugu" answer best... subtle.
"When I was in my car on the way here, I was thinking how stupid this interview could be and you just proved it"
"On my last job I worked for IT where two managers were married to each other in violation of the law against conflict of interest and an IT Director whose last words to me were, 'I don't know what I am doing' -- so my question to you is, do you have adults working here that have one shred of integrity?"
"If you came to dinner, I would serve you Fugu, but I have to warn you, it's my first time preparing it"
"Why would I steal a pen at work when I have my own perfectly good Parker and an advanced mechanical pencil?"
"There are as many cows in Canada as there needs to be"
"In a perfect world, what need would there be for communication?"
"The three Nobel Prize winners before me? Why would I bother after I got the prize?"
"I rate you a big fat zero"
"I would get rid of the state of confusion, but unfortunately, the administration has a lock on that one"
"I wouldn't want to be anyone else, particularly I wouldn't want to be you"
"Omelet? Omelet? I'd tell them how to make the perfect Souffl -- you people don't have much vision or imagination, do you?"
"I'd tell you who I'd pick for celebrity parents, but you've never heard of them"
"My memory is better than yours: I'll remember this long after you've forgotten me -- but that shouldn't be hard seeing as how I've noticed that you have to keep consulting your note cards to remember the questions"
Actually, I would say, "I'm retired; you are the weakest link! Goodbye!"
You have to know I like the "Fugu" answer best... subtle.
which is handy because, trying to find somebody who does refills is a bit of an effort nowadays.
It was for an electronics degree course, not a job, and was aimed at seeing if I could think on my feet:
You have a plastic sphere. A hole is bored right through the middle of the sphere. The hole is 4 cm long. What is the volume of plastic remaining?
I needed one hint and then came up with the correct answer (a number times pi). I didn't try to do the multiplication by pi in my head! I subsequently used the question when interviewing a candidate for a software development job. The candidate not only had no idea how to tackle the question; he didn't even understand the solution when I explained it to him. He was not suitable for the job.
A question I was asked during a job interwiew was "What car do you drive?" When I replied "A Toyota Corolla", the interviewer said "Isn't that what taxi drivers in Luton drive?" I replied "It could well be" and made no further comment.
The same interviewer asked "Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?" I replied "Still doing the job rather than moving into Sales or Management but having more say in decisions affecting my work." I thought this showed sufficient ambition without threatening the existing management structure. I got the job but was laid off 7 years later, and then 6 months on was asked to come back!
You have a plastic sphere. A hole is bored right through the middle of the sphere. The hole is 4 cm long. What is the volume of plastic remaining?
I needed one hint and then came up with the correct answer (a number times pi). I didn't try to do the multiplication by pi in my head! I subsequently used the question when interviewing a candidate for a software development job. The candidate not only had no idea how to tackle the question; he didn't even understand the solution when I explained it to him. He was not suitable for the job.
A question I was asked during a job interwiew was "What car do you drive?" When I replied "A Toyota Corolla", the interviewer said "Isn't that what taxi drivers in Luton drive?" I replied "It could well be" and made no further comment.
The same interviewer asked "Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?" I replied "Still doing the job rather than moving into Sales or Management but having more say in decisions affecting my work." I thought this showed sufficient ambition without threatening the existing management structure. I got the job but was laid off 7 years later, and then 6 months on was asked to come back!
Otherwise, I'd say all the sphere was remaining as you only have a 1 dimensional hole.
But seriously, you take the whole sphere, drop it in water to see how much the water rises. Then you cut out the hole and repeat. The difference in the water rise is how much was removed.
But seriously, you take the whole sphere, drop it in water to see how much the water rises. Then you cut out the hole and repeat. The difference in the water rise is how much was removed.
If the sphere is heavier than water you should only have to do it once. Fill the container with water. Put it in another container and drop in the sphere. Measure the water in the larger container.
If it's lighter than water, you're screwed.
If it's lighter than water, you're screwed.
To get the diameter of the sphere, double the radius 
To get the radius, use a measuring tape.
If it's lighter than water, push it down. As long as you push it down the same amount both times, the results will be the same.
To get the radius, use a measuring tape.
If it's lighter than water, push it down. As long as you push it down the same amount both times, the results will be the same.
I always make sure the employer knows I am interviewing the company at the same time. I have prepared questions and take notes while in the interview to add those I haven't thought of.
I have been asked, "So, did we make the grade?"
"I'm not too sure yet, unless your portion of the interview is over."
I have been asked, "So, did we make the grade?"
"I'm not too sure yet, unless your portion of the interview is over."
Still haven't had to take my mittens off to count the number of times it's happened though.
I'm not saying that I am in such great demand that I check company references (well I do, but not obviously) but it has come up.
I can't actually count all my fingers and toes, there's a bunch of them that's all I know. But it has happened and reading your post made me remember it. I was actually offered three jobs once day, after several weeks of hard core hunting, and I got the pleasure of replying with "Thank you for your offer but I've chosen to go with another company at this time. Hopefully I will still be considered if I feel it is a more suited opportunity in future."
What a power trip that was. It's not always that way but it's really nice when it is.
I can't actually count all my fingers and toes, there's a bunch of them that's all I know. But it has happened and reading your post made me remember it. I was actually offered three jobs once day, after several weeks of hard core hunting, and I got the pleasure of replying with "Thank you for your offer but I've chosen to go with another company at this time. Hopefully I will still be considered if I feel it is a more suited opportunity in future."
What a power trip that was. It's not always that way but it's really nice when it is.
asked this question.
The answers I'd expect to hear would be questions.
What is the cross section of the hole?
Is it constant?
Was the sphere a solid?
When you say the hole is four centimeters long can I assume that is from the now missing apexes of the sphere or must I take into account that the the material removed is not a cylinder asuming the answer to the first two questions was a circular and yes. Top and bottom are not flat...
Can I assume that level of accuracy is not especially relevant.
If so why do you want 14 significant digits?
Oh and what about the edge case, if the hole was circular and constant and 4cm in diameter, the answer would be 0.0000000001268.
You do know about the issues with floating point representation?
So one asks one self, are you qualified to estimate the suitability of software developer?
Personally, I would say you have yet to demonstrate the ability to do so. But I've mellowed, a few years ago I would have named you clueless.
If I was asked this question.
I would give an engineer's solution
Melt it, pour it in a measuring jug....
The answers I'd expect to hear would be questions.
What is the cross section of the hole?
Is it constant?
Was the sphere a solid?
When you say the hole is four centimeters long can I assume that is from the now missing apexes of the sphere or must I take into account that the the material removed is not a cylinder asuming the answer to the first two questions was a circular and yes. Top and bottom are not flat...
Can I assume that level of accuracy is not especially relevant.
If so why do you want 14 significant digits?
Oh and what about the edge case, if the hole was circular and constant and 4cm in diameter, the answer would be 0.0000000001268.
You do know about the issues with floating point representation?
So one asks one self, are you qualified to estimate the suitability of software developer?
Personally, I would say you have yet to demonstrate the ability to do so. But I've mellowed, a few years ago I would have named you clueless.
If I was asked this question.
I would give an engineer's solution
Melt it, pour it in a measuring jug....
Just before retiring these stupid questions became the vogue. Luck for me I had worked long enough in the computer industry to be fairly well known. After a couple of interviews like this I began telling the interviewer politely to shove these questions where the sun doesn't shine and to get on with it.
I remember one instance where the interviewer got his nickers in a knot and dismissed me out of hand. On my way out the VP (a friend of mine) asked me how it went and I laughed telling him I wasn't hired and why. Well, the next day the VP called me and asked me to come to work, which I did.
After a couple of days there one of my friends who worked at the company ran across me and recounted what happened after I had left the first time. The VP of the division and the President, and HR held a meeting with the hapless project manager and verbally peeled the hide off this guy and fired him after recounting some of my history and why he should have listened to me.
It seems that not only had the VP worked with me, but about half the people in the work group I was going to work in had worked with me and let it be known they were unhappy, not only with the results of the interview, but with the current project manager.
Needless to say I was hired and after looking over my experience (since I had known my friends at various locations) I ended up with the late great project manager's job.
In parting I will recount one of these questions that I did answer before I started refusing to play this game.
You have to get across this chasm and you have two short ladders and all the rope you want. How do you get across. Well I asked how much rope and they said all you want. So I said I would fill in the chasm with rope and walk across. Now the "answer" was some techincal whiz bang solution I found out later. It was at this point I said to myself, "I am not going to participate in this stupid song and dance again."
I remember one instance where the interviewer got his nickers in a knot and dismissed me out of hand. On my way out the VP (a friend of mine) asked me how it went and I laughed telling him I wasn't hired and why. Well, the next day the VP called me and asked me to come to work, which I did.
After a couple of days there one of my friends who worked at the company ran across me and recounted what happened after I had left the first time. The VP of the division and the President, and HR held a meeting with the hapless project manager and verbally peeled the hide off this guy and fired him after recounting some of my history and why he should have listened to me.
It seems that not only had the VP worked with me, but about half the people in the work group I was going to work in had worked with me and let it be known they were unhappy, not only with the results of the interview, but with the current project manager.
Needless to say I was hired and after looking over my experience (since I had known my friends at various locations) I ended up with the late great project manager's job.
In parting I will recount one of these questions that I did answer before I started refusing to play this game.
You have to get across this chasm and you have two short ladders and all the rope you want. How do you get across. Well I asked how much rope and they said all you want. So I said I would fill in the chasm with rope and walk across. Now the "answer" was some techincal whiz bang solution I found out later. It was at this point I said to myself, "I am not going to participate in this stupid song and dance again."
Well, that's nice to know, but everything is about circumstances:
1) You were well-experienced and well-known and
2) In connection with the above, you knew someone in the organisation that mattered.
Take someone like me, for instance:
1) No work experience and no connections to people that matter
2) Now setting out to find a job after completing a degree
Well, you can be sure that I will play their games and endure whatever is thrown at me. At this point, being hired is a privilege and I am being given the opportunity to prove my worth to the organisation. Failing that, the opportunity will be taken as easily as it was given.
Many people are in no position to do what you did. For us, that's simply the way it is.
1) You were well-experienced and well-known and
2) In connection with the above, you knew someone in the organisation that mattered.
Take someone like me, for instance:
1) No work experience and no connections to people that matter
2) Now setting out to find a job after completing a degree
Well, you can be sure that I will play their games and endure whatever is thrown at me. At this point, being hired is a privilege and I am being given the opportunity to prove my worth to the organisation. Failing that, the opportunity will be taken as easily as it was given.
Many people are in no position to do what you did. For us, that's simply the way it is.
With an attitude like that the only positions you'll get will be walkover, doormat and dumbass. That sort of thing becomes a habit. Before you know where you are you are working an extra 40 hours a week for no pay, because that's the way you get on. Rest assured noneof the people who just took advantage of you, would do it.
This is a straight value for money proposition.
Okay you can't claim a great value yet, but you aren't asking and more to the point they aren't offering.
You've got skills, qualifications and potential.
They don't....
As for answering these sorts of questions when you've no option but to do the performing seal bit.
Be natural, is the best advice I can give. That's what the question is for.
This is a straight value for money proposition.
Okay you can't claim a great value yet, but you aren't asking and more to the point they aren't offering.
You've got skills, qualifications and potential.
They don't....
As for answering these sorts of questions when you've no option but to do the performing seal bit.
Be natural, is the best advice I can give. That's what the question is for.
Even though you are new, you do have options. You can choose not to play these games with them.
After I was out of the industry for a while, I came back and worked with an old boss of mine. As the project ended, he gave me the advice to resurrect some of the cockiness I had in the past.
Be relaxed, be yourself, and worry less about getting THAT job and more about advancing yourself. There are always other jobs you can get. You can not, however get your dignity or pride back.
You can always freelance, develop independently, or do one off jobs to make the bills.
After I was out of the industry for a while, I came back and worked with an old boss of mine. As the project ended, he gave me the advice to resurrect some of the cockiness I had in the past.
Be relaxed, be yourself, and worry less about getting THAT job and more about advancing yourself. There are always other jobs you can get. You can not, however get your dignity or pride back.
You can always freelance, develop independently, or do one off jobs to make the bills.
I've actually been asked #24 ("What well-known person would you be?"). They were serious, and thought it was a good way to get to know what kind of person I thought I was and what kind of person I wanted to be. Fortunately, it was something that I had thought about (not as an interview-prep question, however) so I didn't panic.
Unfortunately, there is a "right" answer to many of these (even the 'opinion' ones), so if you don't provide what they have decided is the "right" answer, they can reject you "objectively"
Unfortunately, there is a "right" answer to many of these (even the 'opinion' ones), so if you don't provide what they have decided is the "right" answer, they can reject you "objectively"
"BEHIND YOU"
1 million up. It's the simple ideas that are the best.
I was going to come up with selling someone the same product again, but in a different format, but some bloke called Jeff staked that one out already.
My first answer to this question would be my bank account number. I'ma propeller head because I like it, not because I'm too dumb to understand Business 101
1 million up. It's the simple ideas that are the best.
I was going to come up with selling someone the same product again, but in a different format, but some bloke called Jeff staked that one out already.
My first answer to this question would be my bank account number. I'ma propeller head because I like it, not because I'm too dumb to understand Business 101
Well my math isn't that strong, so I'd have to think about that, then check it, and check it again.
so 6 pies + / - a 12 th
...
Stupid question, stupid answer..
so 6 pies + / - a 12 th
...
Stupid question, stupid answer..
Did my math lack a rigorous proof?
Okay I'll do the empire state one.
H/h
Okay I'll do the empire state one.
H/h
don't seem to get it. I have never worked a single day in HR but I can see the point in these types of questions. It is not to show the interviewer how the interviewers stayed awake last night to think of something totally stupid to ask. The point of the questions is to see how the interviewer thinks on their feet to a completely unpredictable situation, also to gauge the interviewers cleverness.
Some people cant see that? For real??
Some people cant see that? For real??
Most people who run businesses loathe upredictability.
Their first reaction is what did you do wrong?
Their second is to cut you mid flow, on account of you attempting to answer, means it was all your fault
The third is to make sure you get the honours, now you've admitted it.
My first reaction to a strange situation is questions not answers.
So if that was the intent of these, and a quick glance at many of the actual questions should show it wasn't.
Fail...
Know your audience.
Their first reaction is what did you do wrong?
Their second is to cut you mid flow, on account of you attempting to answer, means it was all your fault
The third is to make sure you get the honours, now you've admitted it.
My first reaction to a strange situation is questions not answers.
So if that was the intent of these, and a quick glance at many of the actual questions should show it wasn't.
Fail...
Know your audience.
What you will end up with is someone who can BS on their feet rather than someone who will sit down and meticulously dissect a problem.
Also, many of us will simply find the questions to be stupid and irrelevant to the task at hand and move on, as we should.
Also, many of us will simply find the questions to be stupid and irrelevant to the task at hand and move on, as we should.
Would you wear a tu-tu on Tututuesdays?
And no I'm not taking ppps out of those struggling with a speech impediment.
And no I'm not taking ppps out of those struggling with a speech impediment.
If I am paid to. The only reason I get up and go to work is for money, anyone who says otherwise is a blatant liar.
For a decent base salary, I'll wake up and go to work. For a good base salary I'll actually do work when I get there. For a lucrative opportunity where I make 6 figures, I'll wear that tu-tu, if it really floats your boat...but the money has to be there. We are all slaves to the grind, even those of us that are self employed. Money talks, BS walks.
For a decent base salary, I'll wake up and go to work. For a good base salary I'll actually do work when I get there. For a lucrative opportunity where I make 6 figures, I'll wear that tu-tu, if it really floats your boat...but the money has to be there. We are all slaves to the grind, even those of us that are self employed. Money talks, BS walks.
That for highly qualified professional IT people who have high structural visualization (consult information on the Johnson O'Connor Labs) with talents fewer than 25% of the population, skills and experience beyond what even 10% of the population could even begin to have, communicating with the smarmy highly socialized gregarious ideaphoria managers is much like explaining rainbows to earthworms.
Four decades ago, a person who performed to provide superior work were skilled for their high technological expertise and skills were still highly honored has yielded to "team" players who are little more than Generation Whine children with short attention spans.
It's sort of like little Timmy in the Twilight Zone who has the power to put people away in the corn field but no real knowledge of the realities of the situation (the corn field being outsourcing to a third world country).
So HR asks stupid questions.
And the technologist has to don the mantle of a top level manager, pretending to be something they are not, to squeak past the incompetent brigade of dysfunctional interviewers powered by HR to attain the job that majority of those in the corporation or agency can't even begin to understand.
As long as all of us technologists recognize what the deal is, we can prepare for it, and after we get the job, revert to highly skilled professional competence.
Four decades ago, a person who performed to provide superior work were skilled for their high technological expertise and skills were still highly honored has yielded to "team" players who are little more than Generation Whine children with short attention spans.
It's sort of like little Timmy in the Twilight Zone who has the power to put people away in the corn field but no real knowledge of the realities of the situation (the corn field being outsourcing to a third world country).
So HR asks stupid questions.
And the technologist has to don the mantle of a top level manager, pretending to be something they are not, to squeak past the incompetent brigade of dysfunctional interviewers powered by HR to attain the job that majority of those in the corporation or agency can't even begin to understand.
As long as all of us technologists recognize what the deal is, we can prepare for it, and after we get the job, revert to highly skilled professional competence.
Many choices here: To reach the height. One is a stack of quarters and determine how many will add up to the toal height. Another is the number or quaters charged to ride the elevator to the top. Another is that it is impossible since the elevator doesn't go to the top of the antenna on the very top. Another is that using pennies would be more cost effective.
I was once asked in an interview, by a Consultant Anaesthetist, #If you could commit any crime and get away with it, what would it be?~
He also offered me snuff.
I answered, didn't sneeze and got the job.
He also offered me snuff.
I answered, didn't sneeze and got the job.
The fact that you anaesthetise people is making us all uncomfortable...
Wasn't there a serial killer nurse that used a common substance used by anaesthetists to kill patients in a hospital?
1. California - because everyone is moving away from it, and everyone knows full well it is going to fall into the sea.
2. Less than in the Mid-US.
3. Less than one Qtr. as a quarter is 3 months, and I could climb that building in less time than that, with ordinary mountain climbing equipment.
4. I've migrated too far north, haven't I ( true story, they were trying to save a bunch of them on the beach, I saw the story on the BBC)
5. "I been working on the RAAAIilroad! All the live long daaaay!"
6. Buy all the guns and ammo you can; they are flying off the shelves so fast, thanks to Obama, that they are tripling in price every three weeks!
7. God that free XM radio offer sounds good on my Bose system!
8. Scary! - I have 3D video memory. But unfortunately it is tinged with Alzheimer's and a touch of Parkinson's!
9. Obama, Einstein, and Nobel himself; his dymo-mite was better'n than Jimmy Walker's!!
10. I have said that many times - what is so challenging about melding it with selling washing machines - piece of cake!
11. Roasted pheasant!
12. By ESP!
13. Take the chicken of the sea to the can opener, and slap it on the bread man!
14. Hiroshima! - we always wanted to see virtual destruction!
15. We immediately realize our business could be ruined by this ridiculous reality show, and refuse to show up!
16. Nine time four quad-drillion. Zaphod Beeblebrox came up with the formula himself!
17. Fly Away (Lenny Kravitz) - just like I'd do at the interview - BTW
18. I use digital - sorry. Not that I don't know Sine Law.
19. I keep all pens tied to the clip board by string - that would be rather difficult - you see - so many people steal them, I'd never get anything done!
20. James Garner and Natalie Wood
21. Spoon - I like digging to the bottom of things!
22. Nothing - I'd be too busy stomping the crap out of my cell phone!
23. Stupid! That is how I'd probably rate him/her, I have always been able to find a job - screw that!
24. Walter Mitty - he had practice! HA!
25. Take omlet in bag and throw in microwave for 2 min 30 seconds - tastes great! I do it every other morning!
2. Less than in the Mid-US.
3. Less than one Qtr. as a quarter is 3 months, and I could climb that building in less time than that, with ordinary mountain climbing equipment.
4. I've migrated too far north, haven't I ( true story, they were trying to save a bunch of them on the beach, I saw the story on the BBC)
5. "I been working on the RAAAIilroad! All the live long daaaay!"
6. Buy all the guns and ammo you can; they are flying off the shelves so fast, thanks to Obama, that they are tripling in price every three weeks!
7. God that free XM radio offer sounds good on my Bose system!
8. Scary! - I have 3D video memory. But unfortunately it is tinged with Alzheimer's and a touch of Parkinson's!
9. Obama, Einstein, and Nobel himself; his dymo-mite was better'n than Jimmy Walker's!!
10. I have said that many times - what is so challenging about melding it with selling washing machines - piece of cake!
11. Roasted pheasant!
12. By ESP!
13. Take the chicken of the sea to the can opener, and slap it on the bread man!
14. Hiroshima! - we always wanted to see virtual destruction!
15. We immediately realize our business could be ruined by this ridiculous reality show, and refuse to show up!
16. Nine time four quad-drillion. Zaphod Beeblebrox came up with the formula himself!
17. Fly Away (Lenny Kravitz) - just like I'd do at the interview - BTW
18. I use digital - sorry. Not that I don't know Sine Law.
19. I keep all pens tied to the clip board by string - that would be rather difficult - you see - so many people steal them, I'd never get anything done!
20. James Garner and Natalie Wood
21. Spoon - I like digging to the bottom of things!
22. Nothing - I'd be too busy stomping the crap out of my cell phone!
23. Stupid! That is how I'd probably rate him/her, I have always been able to find a job - screw that!
24. Walter Mitty - he had practice! HA!
25. Take omlet in bag and throw in microwave for 2 min 30 seconds - tastes great! I do it every other morning!
and says you can have a million dollars to launch your best entrepreneurial idea. What is it?
Potential Intelligent responses.
1) Was I in at the time?
2) I'm on the f'ing phone Bezos! Sheesh!
3) If you'll just sign here. (non disclosure agreement)
4) This is my bank account number, lets just pause until the money goes in.
5) What sort of idiot do you think I am?
6) Good bye!
7) What will be my cut?
Now I'm talking a wild guess here, but I don't think these are what the questioner had in mind as answers.
So potentially dumb responses
1) Any great idea Mr Bezos might be prepared to invest that much of his hard earned money in. The guy interviewing you will steal it, and won't want you muttering in the corridors about it, so no job.
2) Any great idea that turns out to be really dumb Gives interviewer an immediate no, with option to point out how stupid you are, and No job
3) An idea that has some potential one you can explore with the interviewer and massage towards one with some real value. (See option 1)
4) You offer a really stupid idea, like say HTML, www, texting, mass market production, a computer anyone can use. If it's recognised see 1, if it's not see 2.
About the only response you could give, that SHOULD get you somewhere.
1) You offer an idea that sounds right and then pull it to pieces yourself.
So what exactly was the purpose of this question again?
Was the last answer the one you were aiming at?
If not, why not?
Potential Intelligent responses.
1) Was I in at the time?
2) I'm on the f'ing phone Bezos! Sheesh!
3) If you'll just sign here. (non disclosure agreement)
4) This is my bank account number, lets just pause until the money goes in.
5) What sort of idiot do you think I am?
6) Good bye!
7) What will be my cut?
Now I'm talking a wild guess here, but I don't think these are what the questioner had in mind as answers.
So potentially dumb responses
1) Any great idea Mr Bezos might be prepared to invest that much of his hard earned money in. The guy interviewing you will steal it, and won't want you muttering in the corridors about it, so no job.
2) Any great idea that turns out to be really dumb Gives interviewer an immediate no, with option to point out how stupid you are, and No job
3) An idea that has some potential one you can explore with the interviewer and massage towards one with some real value. (See option 1)
4) You offer a really stupid idea, like say HTML, www, texting, mass market production, a computer anyone can use. If it's recognised see 1, if it's not see 2.
About the only response you could give, that SHOULD get you somewhere.
1) You offer an idea that sounds right and then pull it to pieces yourself.
So what exactly was the purpose of this question again?
Was the last answer the one you were aiming at?
If not, why not?
When I was at the University, the professor asked us to come up with a new invention, so I dutifully did my assignment and came up with two: A catsup bottle holder that would hold the bottle upside down so all the catsup could be used and an electronic door key.
So several years later, I saw my invention for the catsup bottle holder in a restaurant (draining the contents of one nearly empty bottle into a more full one) and, of course, we all know about electronic door keys. My ideas were ahead of our time.
I can never prove it, but I'm pretty sure that he was taking the best of the class assignments and making money on them by getting patents.
In these days, when pharmaceutical companies can patent your DNA right out from under you (speaking of those non disclosure agreements and the woman who finally won the first case after her DNA was used for a cancer cure), giving any potentially lucrative idea to an entrepreneur during an interview is shooting yourself in the foot, whether you need the job or not.
My son worked for Amazon.com in Seattle and it was a miserable job which was just a bit on the shady side. Our illustrious Mr. Bezos may be innovative and gives the public what it wants with advanced technology, but he also does have manic depressive disorder, which can lead to some quite problematic situations if you have any sort of relationship. I've worked for the severely mentally ill and it is (and I'm being serious here) totally crazy. You would not believe....
My answer to the question to Jeff Bezos would be (since I'm happily retired and absolutely do not need a job) is, "Have you taken your meds?".
So several years later, I saw my invention for the catsup bottle holder in a restaurant (draining the contents of one nearly empty bottle into a more full one) and, of course, we all know about electronic door keys. My ideas were ahead of our time.
I can never prove it, but I'm pretty sure that he was taking the best of the class assignments and making money on them by getting patents.
In these days, when pharmaceutical companies can patent your DNA right out from under you (speaking of those non disclosure agreements and the woman who finally won the first case after her DNA was used for a cancer cure), giving any potentially lucrative idea to an entrepreneur during an interview is shooting yourself in the foot, whether you need the job or not.
My son worked for Amazon.com in Seattle and it was a miserable job which was just a bit on the shady side. Our illustrious Mr. Bezos may be innovative and gives the public what it wants with advanced technology, but he also does have manic depressive disorder, which can lead to some quite problematic situations if you have any sort of relationship. I've worked for the severely mentally ill and it is (and I'm being serious here) totally crazy. You would not believe....
My answer to the question to Jeff Bezos would be (since I'm happily retired and absolutely do not need a job) is, "Have you taken your meds?".
If you are capable of coming up with and selling a million dollar idea, why are you applying for a 10$ an hour corporate wage slave position.
You are going to be on Dragons den not in it.
You are going to be on Dragons den not in it.
I've know a couple of people that were on that show and they were given the same comments everyone here in town gave them.
A) until you own the patent on the whole package, it's not a worthy investment
B) I've seen one, in a movie made over 40 years ago!
They both had snuffed the feedback and went on the Den with no further preparation. First guy was shot down due to A, second was shot down due to B. Seriously, if people around you are coming up with this stuff. the dragons are bound to as that's what they do for a living.
People always go on the fact that you should never give up, even if one person says it wont work, but at least get your act together first! LOL.
A) until you own the patent on the whole package, it's not a worthy investment
B) I've seen one, in a movie made over 40 years ago!
They both had snuffed the feedback and went on the Den with no further preparation. First guy was shot down due to A, second was shot down due to B. Seriously, if people around you are coming up with this stuff. the dragons are bound to as that's what they do for a living.
People always go on the fact that you should never give up, even if one person says it wont work, but at least get your act together first! LOL.
I'd answer all your question after you answer mine: How many smartass HR people thinking they are funny are there in your company?
Oooh,,,,,,theres probably at least one in nearly every office PC
This just goes to show that almost all companies, no matter how large or prestigious, have various kooks working in them, who are clueless about how to go about hiring quality employees. If a company has a serious opening, and is looking for a serious applicant, why wouldn't they ask serious questions that pertain directly to the job at hand? If they are looking for people that like to play games, then I guess they get what they deserve.
Your conclusion assumes that these were the only interview questions asked. They could have conducted a very professional interview and just wanted to find out how you think through questions like these.
1 California (just give it back to Mexico, would solve most of the debt issues)but if WDC was an actual state
2 There is no "cows" in "Canada" (the wording anyway)
3 92 - the cost to take the elevator to the top
4 says 'hey man shouldn't have drank all that tequila and is here since I would be hallucinating
5 don't worry, be happy
6 open a bar
7 How nice it is to be alone in my car
8 Huh, what was the question again ?
9 I would if my memory was better
10 let's see, NO
11 delivery
12 sex
13 Google it
14 Disney world
15 Hire another Iron chef to train the staff and watch - publicity, advertising
16 I don't have that many fingers
17 don't worry, be happy
18 huh, my clock is digital, does not have any pointers
19 never, I forget they were in my pocket
20 Arnold Schwarzenegger, Betty white
21 spoon
22 Demon phone !
23 you suck
24 Sir Richard Branson
25 Google it
2 There is no "cows" in "Canada" (the wording anyway)
3 92 - the cost to take the elevator to the top
4 says 'hey man shouldn't have drank all that tequila and is here since I would be hallucinating
5 don't worry, be happy
6 open a bar
7 How nice it is to be alone in my car
8 Huh, what was the question again ?
9 I would if my memory was better
10 let's see, NO
11 delivery
12 sex
13 Google it
14 Disney world
15 Hire another Iron chef to train the staff and watch - publicity, advertising
16 I don't have that many fingers
17 don't worry, be happy
18 huh, my clock is digital, does not have any pointers
19 never, I forget they were in my pocket
20 Arnold Schwarzenegger, Betty white
21 spoon
22 Demon phone !
23 you suck
24 Sir Richard Branson
25 Google it
If a result is achieved form your reply and that result is used to make a determination on your suitability for the role then it is justifiable. Some of these seem like they have been added as a last thought to the interview in order to stir without just cause.
Whether these questions seem asinine, incredulous or plain stupid, at least they stir up polar opinions on the subject. There are very few bland, middle-of-the-road opinions from all the comments - this is commendable as open debate has been stirred.
Whether they are correct in being asked during and interview? You don't have a choice when you are on the replying side of the table - how you deal with that question should be particular to the job being applied for - a market analyst should give a different reply to a software developer or database analyst . Whether those questions are structured towards the job description is not to be debated in the interview, unless you are being recruited for a human rights lawyer position?
Whether these questions seem asinine, incredulous or plain stupid, at least they stir up polar opinions on the subject. There are very few bland, middle-of-the-road opinions from all the comments - this is commendable as open debate has been stirred.
Whether they are correct in being asked during and interview? You don't have a choice when you are on the replying side of the table - how you deal with that question should be particular to the job being applied for - a market analyst should give a different reply to a software developer or database analyst . Whether those questions are structured towards the job description is not to be debated in the interview, unless you are being recruited for a human rights lawyer position?
Given that you don't accept the underlying assumption that you want the employer and the role...
If you do, practice balancing a beach ball on your nose, while flapping your flippers so they intersect.
Might as well gets used to the manouever...
If you do, practice balancing a beach ball on your nose, while flapping your flippers so they intersect.
Might as well gets used to the manouever...
top of the the empire state building it's 168 quarters for an adult and 156 for a senor.
are why I have so much trouble getting past the first interview.
AND, why I end up working with so many idiots when I get the job.
I have no patience for such nonsense.
AND, why I end up working with so many idiots when I get the job.
I have no patience for such nonsense.
Do you recognize it as a problem with yourself or the employers that ask them and don't hire you?
If the candidate for a programming job was American I would ask them - Who officiated at Mr. Spock's wedding in Star Trek? I figure you can't be a geek if you aren't a fan of Start Trek
Not only Americans watch Star Trek. I know for sure it was T'Pau from the episode "Amok Time". His fiance was T'pring but she wanted the challenge because she wanted to marry Stonn and she chose Kirk to be her champion and there had to be a fight to the death. However, since McCoy was present he was able to inject Kirk with a trioxide compound that simulated death. As a result, Spock's Pon Farr, or Blood Fever was resolved.
Do I get the job?
Do I get the job?
McCoy actually injected the Captain with a neuroparalyzer drug that merely simulated death.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amok_Time#Plot
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amok_Time#Plot
Right! The Tri-ox compound was a ruse that McCoy used to allow Kirk to breathe easier in the thin Vulcan air. Which in fact was a neuroparalyzer . I still pass since the question was who officiated at Spock's wedding, and she is T'pau.
Michael's link also confirms this - but then I still remember that, even though I was a kid when it aired!
Just had an interview last week where I was asked this question:
"Why are manhole covers round?"
Now, I can suggest you Google the answer, but the point of the question was not so much the answer, but how do you get to the answer. First thing that I thought of, and what the interviewer was looking for was exactly that (or "Well, why ARE they round? Never really thought of the why before.").
"Why are manhole covers round?"
Now, I can suggest you Google the answer, but the point of the question was not so much the answer, but how do you get to the answer. First thing that I thought of, and what the interviewer was looking for was exactly that (or "Well, why ARE they round? Never really thought of the why before.").
Man hole covers were made round due to the previous interview question
How would you design a manhole cover so it couldn't fall in?
This is a stock question your interviewer googled it or read it in "Interviewing for real dummies"
How would you design a manhole cover so it couldn't fall in?
This is a stock question your interviewer googled it or read it in "Interviewing for real dummies"
Giving the actual answer doesn't tell them anything about your personality.
that said the answer was so superheroes could throw them like a discus, they'd sit there waiting for you to 'know' that.
Any interviewer who used this question over the last two decades is a waste of space.
Any interviewer who used this question over the last two decades is a waste of space.
You weigh an empty sealed jar. The jar weighs five pounds. You weigh a housefly, which weighs .00001 pounds. You place 10 houseflies weighing the same in the unsealed jar and reseal it. How much does the jar weigh assuming the flies continually fly around inside, do not touch the sides or top, or land?
Unless the asumption that the unsealed jar + the lid masses the same as the sealed jar, before it was unsealed is an acceptable assumption...
Oh and are we using the same scales.
When are you going metric?
What if you put the jar on the scale upside down so they land on the top?
Oh and are we using the same scales.
When are you going metric?
What if you put the jar on the scale upside down so they land on the top?
It's the same as the bird in the cage question. I might expect such a question going for an engineering or a physicist's position. One question I was asked was:
Two bicycle wheels, one covered in grease and the other with sticky paint. If you let them both go down a hill which will reach the bottom first ? I got the position but turned it down for somewhere else. Don't try to guess the correct answer since it's never the answer that matters but how you get there. Sometimes there are no correct answers.
Two bicycle wheels, one covered in grease and the other with sticky paint. If you let them both go down a hill which will reach the bottom first ? I got the position but turned it down for somewhere else. Don't try to guess the correct answer since it's never the answer that matters but how you get there. Sometimes there are no correct answers.
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