3 Main Brain Teaser Interview Questions (with answers)

Many hiring managers are searching for novel and efficient methods to figure out a candidate's skills and experience immediately.

Brain teaser questions often require rational reflection, problem-solving techniques, and creativity, so they are popular among hiring managers. Here's how to prepare and what to expect.

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What is Brain Teaser Interview Question?

Brain teasers are a puzzle that assesses one's capacity for thought and problem-solving.

The solution to a brainteaser is never simple. They frequently call for "thinking beyond the box" because the solutions and answers cannot be found through conventional means.

There is no proper response to these questions, but they need some thought. Candidates must demonstrate their reasoning while responding to questions.

Why do interviewers ask brain teaser questions?

Brain teaser questions are a common choice for job interviews since they can reveal a lot about a person's thought process. A candidate who provides an inaccurate response but demonstrates rationality and critical skills will fare better than one who hides their thought pattern.

How can you become ready for brainteasers?

Splitting down the questions into several sorts and then preparing for each type is the key to mastering case interview questions, including brainteasers. These inquiries initially seem unconnected to the position. However, they assess several abilities, such as:

• Ability to examine a situation and come up with a solution quickly. (Problem-solving)

• Ability to evaluate probability, analyze evidence, and do logical computations. (Analytic skills)

• Ability to handle complex issues in a novel way. (Creativity)

• Ability to put something together without planning? (Quick-thinking)

• Ability to think critically, see the larger picture, and weigh your options. (Critical thinking)

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How to ace a brainteaser interview

1. Prepare yourself

We may have test anxiety when faced with brainteasers, but remember that the recruiter is merely attempting to gain insight into your problem-solving and communication style. Bring a pen and paper to take notes or perform computations during your interview.

Try to brush up on your fundamental math abilities before entering. It can be pretty beneficial to review some techniques and formulas of math because many brain teasers call for inventive applications of basic math concepts.

2. Think everything through aloud

Declare aloud every idea you have about your response to the topic. You must inform the employer of any conjectures or estimates you make.

Make sure you logically tackle the question. Explain how you would approach the brainteaser and, if necessary, what information you need. Accentuate your strategy rather than the outcome. If you'd like, add a few qualifiers to your response. Mention any considerations or factors that you may have overlooked.

3. Think about the response for a moment

Never say the first thing that comes to mind out loud. Keep a pen and paper close by throughout your interview because many will let you use them to tackle brainteasers. You can also use the Notes app on your phone in a hurry.

4. Pose any clarification queries

Make sure you comprehend the interviewer's expectations as well as the question. Check to see if any more details are available. Be ready for the recruiter to state they cannot provide you with additional information.

Breathe in and unwind. These questions can be daunting because they seem unimportant or challenging to answer. Remember that the interviewer is more interested in your strategy than whether you provided the correct response.

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Brain teaser interview questions and how to answer them

1. How many auto repair shops are there in the United States?

Example response: Since you don't know the exact answer, let's estimate the number of people in the USA. Considering that around 50% of them drive, Let's say that the typical car servicing station can accommodate six vehicles at once. Six times the population divided by 50. And that will provide you with a general response to your question.

2. Susan, a buddy of Sara, has three pals. One’s name is Monday, and the other’s name is Tuesday. What is her third friend's name?

Example Response:  You'll probably guess that her third friend's name is Wednesday, but it's actually "Sara." Listening comprehension, logic, and quick thinking are applied in this case.

3. Every day, at precisely noon, a worm cell duplicates. The cell divides into two every minute. At 2 p.m., there were 100 cells available. When did the number of worms reach 50?

Example Response: This is not a tricky question, and the applicant is not required to learn any additional information. The solution is pretty straightforward. If the cell doubles in size every minute, it will be filled by 2 p.m. If you had waited until 1:59 p.m., it would have been halfway full. 

Other examples of brain teasers and tips on how to approach them

1. What has keys but can't open locks? A keyboard.

2. I am not alive, but I grow; I don't have lungs, but I need air; I don't have a mouth, but water kills me. What am I? Fire

3. I am taken from a mine and shut up in a wooden case, from which I am never released, yet almost every person uses me. What am I? A pencil lead.

4. You see a boat filled with people. It has not sunk, but when you look again, you don't see a single person on the boat. Why? All the people were married.

5. What starts with an E, ends with an E, but only contains one letter? An Envelope.

When answering brain teasers, it's essential to think creatively and not to be afraid to consider unlikely or unusual solutions. Try to break the problem into smaller parts and look for patterns or connections that might provide a clue to the answer.

Also, try different approaches, such as listing possible answers, drawing diagrams or pictures, or looking at the problem from different perspectives.

Don't get discouraged if you don't get the answer right away; most importantly, don't be afraid to ask for help.

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Wrapping Up

The ability to solve problems is considerably more important to hiring managers than the knowledge of your bear-fighting prowess.

Don't stress out; if you follow the tips mentioned above to answer the brainteaser, you will surely ace the interview. Best of Luck!

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Title: brain teaser interview

Category: Interview

Author: Becky is a contributor for theJub. She’s a writing and talent acquisition specialist who loves to apply her skills through creative writing and editing.