Brainteasers: Or, How Many Crazy Interview Questions Does It Take to Get Hired?


You've looked at all the job interview tips and techniques. Did your homework and studied all the potential employer interview questions you may be asked. Plus, you've practiced your answers in front of the mirror and in a mock interview. Yep, you're a well-prepared candidate ready to show your stuff. What more does an interviewer seeking a great candidate want?

Well, for starters, they may want to know:

** How many quarters - placed on top of each other - would it take to reach the top of the Empire State Building?

** How many piano tuners are there in the world?

** What does all the ice in a hockey rink weigh?

** How many gas stations are there in the US?

** Why are manhole covers round instead of square?

** If you had to get rid of one state, what would it be?

** How do they make M&Ms?

Before you sit there scratching your head and wondering if you've entered the interviewing Twilight Zone, realize that it's becoming more and more common for interviewers to ask these kinds of brainteaser questions.

Why in the world are they using brainteasers in interviews? Because they're looking to get a feel for how you process information - how well you work through a problem.

The first thing you should do with a brainteaser question is NOT focus on coming up with the right answer. There may not be a right answer. Instead, in your mind, divide the problem up into sections (Well, first I would . . .) and then brainstorm a logical solution out loud. Employers want to see that you're smart and can reason through real-world business problems and come up with solutions.

You might want to practice some brainteaser questions before the interview so you'll be prepared if one comes up. You can even do this while enjoying a snack. Before you pop that handful of M&Ms into your mouth, ask yourself: "How would I make these round candy treats with chocolate on the inside and a coating on the outside?"

Hmmm.

How would you?

About The Author

Copyright 2004

Donna Monday
Get Hired Now! Use These Online Interview Tips
http://www.get-a-job-interview-quick-tips.com







Related News



Securing employment in an insecure market - Zawya (press release)

Zawya (press release)

Securing employment in an insecure market
Zawya (press release), United Arab Emirates -13 hours ago
... potential to find fitting employment with benefits and job security. The jobs.abudhabi.ae Careers Advice Lounge facilitates this for NAJAH visitors. ...

Bye-bye to career employment for Baby Boomer men - Examiner.com

Examiner.com

Bye-bye to career employment for Baby Boomer men
Examiner.com -Oct 1, 2008
"Career employment – meaning employment with a single employer from middle age to retirement – is no longer the norm. So if workers are to remain in the ...

Job 'mismatch' deplored - Blacktown Sun

Job 'mismatch' deplored
Blacktown Sun, Australia -19 hours ago
Blacktown TAFE hosted the first Blacktown Employment and Careers Expo. The TAFE, Blacktown Council and the Blacktown Regional Economic and Employment...

PSU Holds Ag Career Day - PA Farm News

PSU Holds Ag Career Day
PA Farm News, PA -11 hours ago
"Even if students are not at the point in their academic career to begin seeking an internship or full-time employment, they are highly encouraged to attend ...

South Plains Job Fair Offers Employment Opportunities - KCBD-TV

South Plains Job Fair Offers Employment Opportunities
KCBD-TV, TX -1 hour ago
The South Plains Job Fair offers workers who are unemployed or desire a career change an opportunity to seek employment and network with over sixty-five ...

Students needed - Canada.com

Canada.com

Students needed
Canada.com, Canada -5 hours ago
But as the employment development officer in Vanier College's student employment centre, Popovitch is frustrated at not having enough candidates to fill ...


British Council Explores Women Career Options - Alarab online

Alarab online

British Council Explores Women Career Options
Alarab online, UK -8 hours ago
... as women in non- traditional careers and encourage and challenge attitudes among young people in the region to consider alternative employment paths. ...

5 questions for jobs expert John Challenger - USA Today

5 questions for jobs expert John Challenger
USA Today -37 minutes ago
I'm not a very strong advocate of changing careers in this type of situation. Sometimes people spend three to six months or longer exploring the idea of an ...

TheCareerProject.org Celebrates One Year of Helping Job Seekers ... - MarketWatch

TheCareerProject.org Celebrates One Year of Helping Job Seekers ...
MarketWatch -8 hours ago
Recognized in both the academic and employment communities, The Career Project has been featured in numerous blogs and articles, including The New York ...

Secrets of Finding Work Past Age 50 Is the Topic of Next Experts ... - MarketWatch

Secrets of Finding Work Past Age 50 Is the Topic of Next Experts ...
MarketWatch -8 hours ago
... such as career transition, changing careers and industries, choosing a career direction, job search, as well as offering guidance for self-employment, ...