Yes, we are back with another Ankit – Sanket conversation for you. Take a look at what they are discussing today!
Sanket: Hey bro!! I heard you are applying for a new job at companies like Google, Apple, and Facebook.
Ankit: Oh! Yes, I am.
Sanket: So, how is the search going?
Ankit: Search is going well, and I may get an interview call from a couple of them soon.
Sanket: That is really great Ankit. So, all set?
Ankit: I don’t know Sanket. I have heard that they ask some weird questions in the interview. I am nervous.
Sanket: Yes, even I have heard the same, and I guess it is their way of identifying the talent.
Ankit: I agree, but how will handle that? I have found a few sample questions that they have asked.
Sanket: You already have a list. That is a good start. So, why don’t you tell me the questions and we can discuss how to approach them?
Ankit: That would be awesome bro. So, here is the first question:
If you could only choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Sanket: I guess it is more of a fun question to understand your thought process and how consistent you can be. Being ready to listen to one song for the rest of your life shows how persistent you are. So, I would suggest answer honestly and try to choose a song which is not latest, unless you are head over heels in love with that song. The song should motivate you, inspire you, pep you up for work or make you happy.
Ankit: Next question is “How many Big Macs does McDonald’s sell each year in the U.S.?” Well, how may I suppose to have that number?
Sanket: This must be a question for data scientist positions. Anyways, it is not the exact number they would want to know. They are asking this to see the thought process of the candidate and how well he can “guestimate”. Well, if you are good at numbers and calculations, you can come up with an approximate answer. The answer to this question must be around 550 million to 600 million assuming it sells 17-20 big macs every second.
Ankit: Wow! Sanket, it’s impressive how you know that fact. Well, let’s move on to the third question:
If you could be remembered for one sentence, what would it be?
Sanket: With this question, they want to understand the type of person you are. So, you need to think of one line that explains you or motivates you always. It could be anything that you have heard from someone else and read it somewhere. It should be something that is your forever source of motivation be it for your personal or professional life. Like if you will ask me, my answer to this would be “Only you are responsible for your own happiness!”
Ankit: Yes, it is such a powerful line; it tells so much from both a personal and professional perspective. Like, it shows that you take responsibility for your own actions in both the areas of life and you are a happy person. And a happy person always has a positive perspective at work as well.
Sanket: Yes, I genuinely believe in this line. So, what’s the next question?
Ankit: Why are manhole covers round? I guess I know the answer to this. There are many reasons for it. One is that around cover cannot fall through the circular opening but if it would be square, it may fall if inserted diagonally. Another reason is that a circle doesn’t have any edges unlike a square or any other shapes so that vehicles can pass through it easily.
Sanket: Precisely! Good reasoning Ankit.
Ankit: So, the next question is “If I was talking to your best friend, what is one thing they would say you need to work on?”
Sanket: The answer to this question will tell two things about you. One, you are not completely an introvert who has many secrets kept with himself. Two, you know what others don’t like about you, and you are dilutional about yourself. So, tell them one negative about you that not many people know. However, make sure that you also know how to use that characteristic in your favor.
Ankit: Wise advice! So, from our discussion what I get is that these questions are basically to check my personality, creative thinking, analytical skill, problem-solving and things like. All I must do is be honest, confident and at the same time quick with thinking about why this question is being asked. Because if I understand the reason, I will able to answer any question they ask.
Sanket: Exactly! So, do you have any more questions on the list?
Ankit: Oh, yes! I have and as per Inc.com, here are the top weirdest questions asked at companies such as Microsoft, Google, Boeing, Apple, Facebook., etc.
- What do you think of lava lamps? And Dilbert?
- Choose a city and estimate how many piano tuners operate a business there
- How much do you charge to wash every window in Seattle?
- How many children are born every day?
- What’s your favorite color?
- Design a spice rack for the blind.
- Tell me a story.
- If you had a choice between two superpowers–being invisible or flying–which would you choose?
- What do you do if you are approached by an employee who is complaining about a colleague who has a horrible body odour?
- What kind of tree would you be?
- What were you like as a child?
- What do you think you will hate about this job?
But I guess now I will be able to think of answers for these.
Sanket: Great! But in case you need any help, you can tell me anytime.
Ankit: Sure, I will and thank you so much! You are always a great help.
Sanket: Anytime Ankit.
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