It’s not uncommon for job seekers to stress about upcoming interviews. After all, you want to make a good impression and land the job. But what if we told you that one of the best ways to impress your potential employer is to showcase your common sense?
That’s right, common sense is a highly sought after trait in the workforce. And while you can’t exactly study for an interview, you can be prepared with a few questions that will test your common sense.
So, whether you’re interviewing for your dream job or just looking to brush up on your interview skills, read on for a few common sense interview questions that will help you stand out from the rest.
TOP 7 Interview Questions and Answers (PASS GUARANTEED!)
3. A bat and a ball cost a total of $10. The bat is more expensive than the ball by exactly $ What’s the price of the ball?
This question tests the candidates ability for analytical problem-solving. Many applicants immediately respond that the ball costs $10, but the mathematical equation reveals that the only possible response is that the ball costs $5 and the bat costs $1. 05. People who respond with 10 cents are typically intuitive thinkers, whereas people who respond with 5 cents are typically analytical thinkers.
Example response: “If the difference is $1, then we can calculate the cost of the ball by deducting $1 from the total amount of $1. 10 and dividing by two. Therefore, the ball costs 5 cents. ”.
How much is half of 2 + 2?
This inquiry examines the candidates’ proficiency with fundamental math and their understanding of how to follow instructions. A hasty response would be two because half of 2 + 2 equals half of 4. But after paying close attention to the question, you realize that the first operation is actually calculating half of two, not 2 + 2. The second step is to multiply this half of two, or one, by two.
“Half of 2 is 1, and 1 + 2 = 3,” for instance, So the answer is 3. ”.
You’re in a house that has two rooms, and there’s no way to see from one room to the other. One room has three light switches, and the other room has three corresponding light bulbs. You don’t know which switch triggers which bulb and can only make a single trip between the two rooms. How do you find out?
This inquiry gauges a candidate’s capacity for formulating a reasoned response to a real-world issue. Using this knowledge will enable you to connect the switches with the bulbs since it is common knowledge that a light bulb begins to heat up a few minutes after being turned on.
“I would turn on one switch and leave it on for a few minutes,” as an example of a response I would then quickly enter the other room after turning it off and on again. The second switch, which I left on, is where the lit bulb is connected. The warm bulb is connected to the first switch because it continues to be warm for a while after being turned off. Finally, it follows logically that the third switch should be connected to the bulb that isn’t warm or lit. ”.
Current Head of People and Development at Opendoor (and former SVP of Sales at Yelp) Erica Galos Alioto leans on this question as well. “I’m looking to see how candidates deal with conflict in a work environment,” she says. “Do they openly address it and see their difference in opinion as a strength? Or are they unable to see the other persons perspective? Do they try to resolve it or silently let it bother them? This tells me a lot about their ability to communicate effectively and how they will handle disagreements with others at work.”
Asking about misconceptions is a powerful tool. It speaks to both how you view yourself and how you think other people see you, both of which are crucial.
Taking the time to pause. According to Morril, “the trigger-happy type candidates don’t have any kind of bulleted list or outline in their head of what they hope to get across once they get going.” “What’s most amazing about this is how well it predicts disorganized and goal-less behavior on the job,” ”.
And for a few reasons, this query has become her go-to in interviews. It demonstrates to me how far a person will go to uphold their moral convictions, says Cordova. “How candidates interpret the anecdote also reveals to me how they persuade others in the face of challenges,” The question of what ultimately transpired is also particularly instructive. “Do they use data? Do they gather support from others?” She claims that a person’s attitude toward not getting their way can reveal a lot about how willing they are to compromise and carry out their plans.
Nolan Church also similarly recommends probing into how a candidate deals with difficult feedback. “I learn more about someone from this question than anything else I ask,” says the Chief People Officer at Carta. “It gives me insight into an area for development, how they respond to feedback, and their level of introspection, vulnerability and humility.”
I have heard my share of interesting interview questions. They run the gamut from the cultural “what kind of tree are you?” to the analytical “how many gas stations are in New Jersey?” I am sure these questions are asked with the best of intentions, however they do not deliver the intended result. Even the famous “Google Blender Question” turned out to be ineffective in assessing talent. So what are the best questions?
A candidate’s skill set and cultural fit are only two aspects of the interview process. You are also making your organization’s first impression. Will that candidate feel at ease around you and be forthcoming with the truth, or will you only receive the usual canned responses to your canned questions? Don’t play games if you want “game-changing” results.
Common Sense Interview Questions
These common sense interview questions and their responses are covered in this article.
Intelligent job seekers will thoroughly prepare themselves before attending an interview. These candidates have created a web of confusion for themselves by providing a string of pre-planned, seemingly lovely responses. Okay, so that’s a stretch, but the facts still stand: in 99% of cases, you won’t get a true and accurate picture of your applicant.
So, if you ever feel like a conversation is going too smoothly and you’re getting responses that seem a little too scripted, introduce a few odd, off-the-wall topics. Occasionally switching things up and surprising your prospects can elicit a more honest response and reveal more about the “real them.” ’.
It’s an intriguing query that Allied Telesis in the US asks prospective employees, and it’s now being asked all over the world.
Positive replies
The majority of applicants will admit to occasionally telling a direct lie while still upholding strict moral standards because this topic seems too good to be true. Of course, the ideal response is “totally. ”.
Negative replies
Watch out for applicants who fidget and take a long time to respond to this question (as well as, obviously, those who admit to being serial liars!)
A useful hint for a recruiter who is considering using this when speaking with a potential employee
At first glance, this subject may seem irrelevant, but keep in mind that the goal is to ask the person a question about something unusual to divert their attention for a moment. Their response will reveal a lot about them, including their ability to handle stress, whether they become enraged, and whether they have a sense of humor.
This strange interview session, which you’d expect to be provided in a conversation with friends, is what is responsible for Bed Bath & Beyond.
Positive replies
There is nothing that implies there is a right or wrong response; you must first choose what you’re looking for.
Negative replies
Candidates who refuse to play games by responding, “I don’t like cereal,” or who act visibly irritated by the question may indicate potential organizational difficulties.
If a lily pad’s size increases day after day
This interview-relevant question from General Motors is a little bit of a different catch to an interview and adds a little bit of fun to it: How long would it take to fill half of a lake if it occupies a lake in 50 days?
Positive Replies
This clever riddle depends on a tendency to overthink the question. Individuals only need to work backward and use some common sense; they don’t need to consider the openings and breakaways of a lily pad’s active growth.
Anyone who correctly answers every question exhibits excellent analytical reasoning and listening skills!
Negative Replies
It would be unfair to reject an applicant for giving a thorough incorrect response to this question. Our minds may shut down when we’re under pressure to please others, making it difficult to make logical decisions. A candidate who appears genuinely irritated by such questions and isn’t satisfied with the status quo is a red flag.
Admittedly, it’s an interview, and you write the parameters.
Throughout Goldman-Sachs’ interview, this horror of a debate comes. It facilitates the demonstration of math abilities that are necessary for the financial and venture banking sectors.
Positive Replies
Even when a candidate completely misses the mark, assessing the situation and displaying a sound thought process as they go shows exceptional effort and problem-solving skills.
Negative Replies
If they generate a random number, one of two things is likely to be true: either they are too lazy to think about the question or they have already been asked it.
A useful hint for a recruiter who is considering using this when speaking with a potential employee
If you’re not applying for a position that requires a high level of mathematical aptitude, it’s best to avoid asking this question.
If you do, you might be successful in hiring a Marketing Manager with exceptional problem-solving skills for your position. However, you might end up alienating the ideal candidate for the position who received a D in GCSE math.
This argument is slipped into an Airbnb interview, and it’s easy to understand why if you investigate it further. The question reveals more about a candidate’s character, including whether they are superstitious, and determines whether they have a positive or negative outlook on life.
Positive Replies
An applicant who responds “yes” and readily acknowledges their luck has a positive outlook but also appears to think that luck comes to you after a lot of hard work.
Negative Replies
Many candidates may assert that they have never been fortunate in life and may apologize for negative, private historical occurrences. Is an over-sharer truly necessary for your company?.
These people might not be the best fit for your team because they have a more negative outlook on life.
Another tiny logic puzzle to keep your applicants guessing: resurrect, bananas, language, sorcery, evaluate, potato, dressers, unbalanced.
Positive Replies
Anyone who responds correctly to this question in an interview demonstrates a high level of critical thinking abilities and the ability to remain composed under pressure.
Of course, as we already mentioned, it would have been unfair to fire someone for not being able to find the answer, but this question might help you find your top candidates!
Negative Replies
Candidates who don’t have a good disposition and are unwilling to take that risk may find this question to be a source of irritation or even rage.
The answer is that it moves backward if the first letter of each word is placed at the end of terms.
A useful hint for a recruiter who is considering using this when speaking with a potential employee
Nobody’s a big lover of logic puzzles. They are demanding and put a great deal of pressure on applicants who are already anxious. If you must use them, do so only with qualified candidates and in moderation.
This part of the questionnaire, adapted from ZocDoc, a pharmaceutical website in the United States, doesn’t seem out of character, but who wouldn’t have been surprised by this one? It’s a genius technique to drastically alter the pace of the conversation and force a prepared applicant to think carefully and for a long time, revealing endearing little qualities about the applicant.
Positive Replies
As long as you take into account others’ perspectives, there is nothing wrong with people expressing their true emotions. A candidate who has a thorough grasp of reality and doesn’t try to impose their viewpoint on you exhibits excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
Negative Replies
You should think about how it will translate to the workplace if the candidate launches into a monologue about the state of the world and its inhabitants.
A useful hint for a recruiter who is considering using this when speaking with a potential employee
This topic will reveal some endearing character traits and even display their political preferences, though it is not quite on the same level as a psychometric test. Understanding that will give you a better idea of how they’ll fit into your workplace culture.
By removing some of the emotional barriers that have been raised during the interview, this question will reveal some information about the person’s character. This is much milder than the others and ought to elicit a warm, friendly response. To ascertain whether a candidate is appropriate for the company and environment, pay very close attention to their response.
Positive Replies
You must be able to comprehend the candidate’s feeling, which will be one of love and joy. An approachable candidate will take advantage of this opportunity to discuss their social connections with you rather than providing a one- or three-word response.
Negative Replies
If you receive a stiff, cold response informing you that they donated a gift card to their young cousin, move on.
FAQ
How do you test common sense in an interview?
Tips for Common Sense Interviewing QuestionsGood questions come from answers. The best interviewers are attentive listeners who can come up with thoughtful inquiries as the candidate’s story develops. Good questions are relevant. Ask real-world questions from actual situations that have occurred. Good questions are honest.
What are the 10 most common interview questions and answers?
10 most common interview questions and answersTell me about yourself. What attracted you to our company?Tell me about your strengths. Tell me about a time when you faced a business challenge. What are your weaknesses? Where do you see yourself in five years?
What are 10 commonly asked interview questions?
Top 10 Interview Questions and Best AnswersTell Me About Yourself. Why Are You the Best Person for the Job? . Why Do You Want This Job? . How Has Your Experience Prepared You for This Role? . Why Are You Leaving (or Have Left) Your Job? . What Is Your Greatest Strength? . What Is Your Greatest Weakness?.
What are the 5 unusual interview questions?
How many pizzas are ordered every night in the United States? How many basketballs can fit on a bus? What two things, besides food and water, would you want on a deserted island? What color would you be if you won the lottery? Blue or green?
