12 Popular Brainteaser Interview Questions and Answers

Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially when the recruiter throws in brainteaser interview questions that require you to think on your feet.

These questions help assess your problem-solving abilities, critical thinking skills, and creativity.

Here are 12 brainteaser interview questions and answers with tips to come up with your unique responses.

Popular Brainteaser interview questions and answers

How many golf balls can fit in a school bus?

Recruiters ask this brainteaser interview question to assess problem-solving skills and critical thinking abilities.

"Assuming a school bus is 50 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 6 feet high, it has a total volume of 2,400 cubic feet.

A golf ball has a volume of 2.5 cubic inches. Converting that to cubic feet gives us 0.00145 cubic feet.

Dividing the volume of the school bus by the volume of one golf ball gives us 1,655,172 golf balls."

How would you weigh an elephant without using a scale?

Recruiters ask this interview question to evaluate a candidate's creativity, problem-solving skills, and ability to think outside the box.

"Assuming we have a lever that can balance weights, we can use a see-saw mechanism to weigh the elephant.

First, we need to put the elephant on one end of the lever and gradually add weights to the other end until it balances.

The sum of the weights required to balance the elephant would be equal to the weight of the elephant."

You have 10 jars of pills. Each jar contains 100 pills, but one jar contains only 50 pills. How do you determine which jar contains the 50 pills?

To test a candidate’s logical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail.

"We can take one pill from the first jar, two pills from the second jar, three pills from the third jar, and so on until we take ten pills from the last jar. This would give us a total of 55 pills. The remaining 45 pills must be in the jar that only has 50 pills."

How many gas stations are there in India?

Recruiters through these brainteaser interview questions evaluate a candidate's analytical skills, ability to estimate figures, and critical thinking ability.

This question also assesses a candidate's knowledge of the industry and their ability to make assumptions based on limited information.

"Assuming there are 325 million people in the United States, and there is one gas station for every 10,000, there would be approximately 32,500 gas stations in the United States."

If you were a fruit, what would you be?

This question assesses creativity, personality, and thinking on feet. The answer reflects personality traits.

"I would be an apple because of its versatility and can be used in many different ways. It's also a symbol of health and nutrition, which aligns with my values."

How would you move Mount Everest?

Recruiters ask this brainteaser interview question to evaluate problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking skills.

The question tests adaptability and resilience in approaching difficult challenges with no obvious answer. It's a unique way to assess qualities crucial for today's fast-paced business environment.

"Assuming we have unlimited resources, we could dig a hole next to Mount Everest and use the dirt to fill in the ocean, making the landmass bigger and moving the mountain in the process."

How would you design a playground for children with disabilities?

"I would design a playground that is accessible and inclusive for all children, regardless of their abilities. This would include ramps, sensory elements, and equipment specifically designed for children with disabilities."

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you want with you?

"I would want a knife, a waterproof shelter, and a satellite phone to call for help."

How would you solve the problem of traffic congestion in a major city?

"I would implement a combination of solutions, including public transportation, carpooling incentives, and smart traffic management systems that use data and technology to optimize traffic flow."

How many basketballs can fit in this room?

Recruiters use this behavior interview question to assess a candidate's analytical and problem-solving skills.

It evaluates how well a candidate can estimate and break down complex problems into smaller, manageable parts. The question also highlights communication skills.

"Assuming this room is 20 feet long, 10 feet wide, and 10 feet high, it has a total volume of 2,000 cubic feet.

A standard basketball has a volume of 0.07 cubic feet. Dividing the volume of the room by the volume of one basketball gives us approximately 28,571 basketballs."

If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose?

Recruiters use this brainteaser interview question to evaluate creativity, personality, and self-awareness.

It helps them understand a candidate's interests, values, and aspirations.

"I would choose Harry Potter because he is a symbol of bravery, friendship, and perseverance.

He overcame countless obstacles and challenges throughout his life, and he never gave up on his friends or himself."

If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be?

"I would choose Nelson Mandela because he was a symbol of hope, justice, and reconciliation.

He led South Africa through a difficult transition period and inspired millions of people to fight for equality and freedom."

Tips for answering Brainteaser interview questions

Now these are just the popular brainteaser interview questions and answers, and there are plenty more.

Here are some tips to follow when faced with a sudden brainteaser interview question and come up with your unique responses!

Understand the question: Before you can come up with a unique answer, you need to understand the question. Take the time to read and analyze the question carefully. If you're not sure what the interviewer is asking, don't be afraid to ask for clarification.
Consider your own experiences: The best way to come up with a unique answer is to draw from your own experiences. Think about a time when you faced a similar problem or challenge, and how you overcame it.
Use the STAR method: The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a useful framework for answering behavioral interview questions. Start by describing the situation or task you faced, explain the action you took to address it and describe the results or outcomes of your actions.
Be creative: Don't be afraid to think outside the box when answering brainteaser questions. Sometimes the best answers are the ones that are unexpected or creative.
Practice, practice, practice: Finally, the more you practice answering brainteaser questions, the more confident and prepared you'll be in your interview. You can use online resources or enlist the help of a friend or mentor to practice your responses and get feedback.

By using these tips, jobseekers can come up with their own unique and compelling answers to brainteaser interview questions, which can help them stand out from other candidates and increase their chances of success.

Conclusion

In conclusion, brainteaser interview questions can be challenging, but they are also an opportunity to showcase your problem-solving abilities, critical thinking skills, and creativity.

By preparing for these types of questions and practicing your responses, you can increase your chances of success in the job interview process.

Remember, the key to acing the brainteaser interview questions and answers is to stay calm, focused, and confident.

Good luck!