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If you were asked the question, How many windows are there in New York City?
You would probably be flustered at first, but knowing that this question wasn’t meant to be answered quite literally with a definitive number you know that this is a chance to prove your critical thinking.
Questions like this come up quite often especially in interviews where problem solving, creativity, and critical thinking are necessary skills. So let’s breakdown a few!
To start off, If you were a type of tree, what type would you be and why?
There are a lot of iterations of this question, from animals, to instruments, to foods… the list goes on. Mostly aimed as a way to lighten the mood and get the conversation rolling this question is still important to answer and use to your advantage. It doesn’t really matter what your answer is, but pivoting it to showing off your strengths, humor, or personality is key. You can look for metaphors or analogies to your own working habits and qualities between the answers that you chose. Make sure to use the momentum of answering this question to propel your confidence and character.
Next up, How many pennies would fit in the room we are in right now?
Brain teasers transformed into thought provoking questions can be challenging, but don’t feel like you need to rush to an answer. In fact, its more impressive to the interviewer if you walk them through your analysis. For example, “I’d need to measure how many pennies fit length-wise, width-wise, and height-wise. Then I’d simply multiply those three numbers.” Creating formulas, applying the abstract problem to similar problems you might face at the job or that you have had experience with in the past are all great. Also, don’t forget that you can also ask questions. With questions like, “Well, will this room still have furniture in it, or would we remove it? Also, what’s the volume of the room?” are good at showing your intuitive thinking and critical thought.
To wrap it up, How many windows are there in New York City? This question is similar to the pennies question but you can approach it in different ways, answer us below! need a hint?
