With a brainteaser question, the focus is on a puzzle or problem. For example, a question about a farmer, fox, carrot and rabbit below. “Why is” Brain Teaser: For example, “Why is a tennis ball fuzzy?”. In many circumstances, the way you answer these questions is more important than anything on your resume. (4) Imagine you had to put a coin into an empty bottle, then close the bottle with a cork. You need to get a matching pair. The brain teaser was probably the hardest question (to do mentally). Famous Egg Floor Riddle. All socks are identical except for the color. Please contact your administrator. Who is the fourth? (4) Two fathers and two sons sat down to eat eggs for breakfast. What is it? Here is a fun but slightly difficult one. + editable slides, Advice from partners who have collectively advised +100 Fortune 100 CEOs. Think through the problem and think through it as slow as your brain needs to get to the answer. It’s free and everyone is welcome to join. After that it will not be empty. 3 generations of people went fishing. When using material from this website, including but not limited to tools, frameworks, concepts and methodologies, please provide the proper citations and attributions. What is the hair color of the bus driver? This was the most popular riddle we posted so far in our consulting case interviews facebook group. What is it? ... 11 impossible tech interview questions you don't want to be asked Brain teaser questions are often asked because the standard interview questions are rehearsed so much it can be difficult for recruiters to really assess the specific skills of candidates. 12 months. And your ability to solve a brain teaser gives an indication to the interviewer about how flexible your mind is and if you can think logically. Enter your email address below to receive our newsletter. Empty the small jug and pass the 2-gallons from the big to the small jug. India is doing this because it wants to…, Will Creating the Super League Render a Teams’ Status Moot? So, what is a brain teaser? Next, let’s take a look at this much more difficult riddle. You will be able to answer all the following brain teaser interview questions and more. This type of question may be asked separately or as part of a full business case. Brain teaser questions are a great way for interviewers to test your problem-solving skills and see how well you perform under pressure. Brain teaser questions are a great way for interviewers to test your problem-solving skills and see how well you perform under pressure. What does he weigh? I need to understand probabilities. How can they all make it to the meeting in time?” (. (12) What comes once in a minute, twice in a moment, but never in a thousand years? But even they have a hard time answering the brain teaser questions a lot of tech companies like to ask during job interviews. Pour it into the 5-gallon jug. They key to answering any of the brain teaser questions is to ask a few critical questions before even attempting to answer. (13) It’s as light as a feather. (10) 2 mothers and 2 daughters were fishing. And here is a more difficult one for you. Well, you can get 2 socks but then there is no guarantee they will match. You’ve made it through the first couple rounds of interviews, nailing questions like “Tell me a bit about yourself” and “Why do you want this job?”. If you rush you will probably get to the wrong answer. The Analyst can cross in one minute, the Associate can cross in two minutes, the VP can cross in five minutes, and the MD takes 10 minutes to cross. What would you do? How is this possible? (6) What word looks the same backward and upside? What are some types of brain teasers I can expect during a case interview? You want to know if it’s raining. Brain teasers are puzzle-like questions that challenge a person’s problem-solving skills. On the slight chance that your brain doubles as Google: File these under: “How and why would anyone ever know this?”. The answer. One of the answers has something to do with water. A: While not technically a brain teaser, this question from Tim Hortons can provide some very telling answers. Because the 5-gallon jug already had 3 gallons in it only 2 more gallons will fit. (1) What do you notice about the following sequence of numbers? Refill the 3-gallon jug and pour into the 5-gallon jug. You can also decline the tracking, so you can continue to visit our website without any data sent to third party services. How is this possible? Some candidates may immediately start panicking, “Oh, this is probably statistics. The bus is yellow and it’s snowing outside in December. But once you share me you no longer have me. (37) I have seas without water, coasts without sand, towns without people, and mountains without land. Ask counter questions to clarify if you are unsure; State your assumptions; We have 88 brain teasers for you to practice before your trading interview. Having a solid problem-solving skill is powerful. (20) What is an odd number where if you take away one letter from it it becomes even? What are the possible scenarios? How will you determine which switch controls which bulb if you can inspect the other room only once and cannot see into the other room from the other? Why? Traditional, straightforward interview questions have dominated the interviewing conversations for generations. However, most people cannot hold it for longer than 2 minutes. Brainteaser interview questions have been around longer than most people realize. The longer it is in the stronger it gets. (2) Jason’s father has 4 children; Suzan, Jeffrey, Jennifer. For example, if we look again at a brain teaser we looked at above, the one about socks. How many times heavier than a mouse is an elephant? (3) The day before yesterday John was 17. +6 books. What is the mother’s name. He has a very small raft so he can only bring one item at a time across the river. Easy one if you carefully think through connections. Brain Teasers Interview Questions ... PURGE Brain Teasers. All boxes are incorrectly labeled. Brain Teaser Interview Questions 1. (2) A woman was born in 1996 and died in 1957. How many times a day does a clock's hands overlap? FIRMSconsultingTM, StrategyTrainingTM, StrategyTVTM and The Consulting OfferTM are. (40) It’s at the center of gravity. The task is to find a minimum number of socks. Answer : Instead of describing what it looks like, try … What is the angle between the hour-hand and minute-hand of a clock at [time]? But, in the final rounds for some types of roles (think very analytical or technical positions), you might encounter what could only be considered brain teasers. Illusion Brain Teasers Now you have space for 1-gallon in the small jug. (18) A man went for a walk and got caught in the rain. A minimum number of socks could be as followed. We live in a world of enormous change. * You are given 2 eggs. Additionally, it can indicate if you give up easily when you encounter a difficult problem, quality firms certainly don’t want in future consultants. Q: What has a mouth but can’t chew? Fill the big jug completely then seek to fill the 3-gallon jug with the 1-gallon that was missing there. (15) A man shaves several times a day but still has a beard. The bridge must be crossed with the flashlight and can only support two bankers at a time. “It’s dark in your room. Each brain teaser has a hint if you get stuck and answer to check your thought process. (11) How many times can you subtract the number 5 from 25? When you read each brain teaser try to calmly, confidently and with a sense of urgency solve it. As such, it can be an effective method to filter applicants. The question is, “What is the minimum number of socks you need to take to get a matching pair to wear?” You need to read between the lines. What is a brain teaser interview question, you ask? * You have access to a 100-story building. Your ability to answer this type of question is crucial. Learn the skills to become a leader and contribute to the world. (31) When you have me you immediately feel like sharing me. You want to get a matching pair, but socks are not organized. Your ability to answer this type of question is crucial. How can you label all the boxes correctly? Another relatively easy one if you keep your mind open. Don’t stress—this is a good sign! As you solve any cases during your case interview preparation or during an actual case interview have fun with it. Some challenging brain teaser examples for an interview; Why are manholes round? (7) How can a pant’s pocket be empty yet still have something in it? The answer is the letter e. Sign-up for email list above to get free access to samples from our various case interview and advanced programs. ason, Suzan, Jeffrey, and Jennifer are siblings. We often hear this question about brainteasers: "How important is the ability to make quick calculations and solve brainteasers in investment banking interviews, relative to other portions of the interview?" If the first sock is black, the second sock is white, you will get a pair regardless of if the third sock is white or black. Now you have 4-gallons in the big jug. Assume a speaker is not looking in the mirror. This one is similar to the earlier brain teaser. We’ll explain the 1) purpose of brain teasers and provide you some of the 2) most common teasers used in job interviews.We’ll also give you tips on 3) how to prepare for a job interview and 4) the three-step approach you should use to solve a teaser. You’re in a room with 3 light switches. Assume that the fox does not eat the rabbit if the farmer is there. It helps to keep your mind sharp and helps you develop a habit of solving problems calmly and confidently, but with a sense of urgency. One of the boxers gets knocked out after only 5 rounds, yet no man throws a punch. I would start with: Is the original cake round or square? (1) A farmer is trying to cross a river. Now you have 2-gallons remaining in the big jug. Your color since you are driving the bus. Just blurting out a correct answer because you already heard a particular brain teaser before will not win you points. … At the 3rd stop, one man gets off and a man gets on. What is it? What am I to Rebecca? By MyPerfectResume Staff Writer. process please click the link in the email we will send you. The answer is your dad, assuming your mother and father are married. Epic Systems are to blame for this epic interview question: Q3. Only one. The day before yesterday is 30th December when he was 17, yesterday was the 31st December when he turned 18, today is the 1st of January and he will be 19 this year, and next year he will be 20. (9) A little girl fell off 29-meter ladder but did not get hurt. Despite that, I managed to get the right answer that the train will have to have twice the speed that I have. December 31. What is the minimum number of socks you need to take to get a matching pair to wear?”, Now imagine you say, “I would say two. C, Consulting Case Interviews facebook group, consulting case interviews facebook group, Stories You Tell Yourself About Your Career, India & “Digital Strike”: the Underlying Mechanics. Employers sometimes use brain teasers during interviews to understand a potential hire’s critical thinking, logic, creativity and mathematical skills. Now, let’s look at some actual brain teasers. Muse writer Jeremy Schifeling has advice on actually solving these impossible brain teasers. What am I? (1) Who makes it, has no need for it. (28) One brick is one kilogram and half a brick heavy. Previously an editor for The Muse, Alyse is proud to prove that yes, English majors can change the world. The Riddle Brain Teaser: In such a brain teaser the interviewer gives you particular problematic situation and asks you to find a solution. The man did not have an umbrella and he was not wearing a hat. Sign-up for email list above to get free access to samples from our various case interview and advanced programs. This same logic is applicable in solving brain teasers. “Describe the benefits of wearing a seatbelt.”, “Explain the internet to someone coming out of a 30-year coma.”, “Describe the color yellow to a blind person.”, “A windowless room has three light bulbs. (22) What never asks a single question but is often answered? If I roll two dice, what is the probability the sum of the amounts is nine? Interview riddles are leading questions that were proposed throughout interviews by prominent companies during the last decade or so. “An apple costs 40 … This riddle can be solved easily if you put yourself in place of Jason. Poisoned drinks. Oh, and do let me know on Twitter if I missed any good ones that you’ve been asked. You have a lot of white socks and black socks in your drawer. WHAT IS NEXT? What is the minimum number of socks you need to take to get a matching pair to wear?”, I would say two. Fill the 3-gallon jug again and pour slowly into the 5-gallon jug until it is full. Some questions may be difficult but may not be a brain teaser. Please confirm, if you accept our tracking cookies. Similarly, this one is relatively easy if you keep your mind open. (9) John’s father has three sons: Jeffrey, Jack and _____ ? You want to get a matching pair, but socks are not organized. Brain Teaser Question Examples How many gallons of white house paint are sold in the United States each year? Never miss an insight. So, as is clear from the above, brain teasers should be a part of your case interview preparation. What is the name of the 3rd child? This also includes one’s creativeness to deploy means within a short space of time. Takes the rabbit, sails back. They have a son. (25) It goes in dry and it comes out wet. If you have good consulting brain teasers to add to this article please let us know in the comments below. The first sock you get is black, the second sock you get is black. (3) I have a dog that has 3 puppies: Barney, Cookie, and Sun. +480 podcasts. (15) When you add 2 letters, a 5 letter word becomes shorter. Every morning he takes the elevator from the 17th floor to the ground floor and goes to school. (27) You hold it without using your hands or arms. Only 1 time because the next time you will be subtracting 10 from 90. (21) What invention lets you look right through a wall? Such questions often ask something about you vs. about some external problem you need to solve. We'll email you when new articles are published on this topic. The “How Many” Brain Teaser: For example, one of the most common questions from this category is “How many gas stations are there in the U.S.?” Refer to estimation cases in The Consulting Offer to learn how to answer these questions. (4) What was the world’s tallest mountain before Mount Everest was discovered? Because he cannot reach buttons higher than 6. Assume both rabbit and fox are not trying to run away. If…. What is it? You call 3 random friends … How is it possible? How many golf balls can fit in a school bus? (6) You’re in a room with 3 light switches. (16) How far can a dog run into the woods? He is taking with him a rabbit, carrots and a fox. January 27, 2020. Here is an actual long explanation from one of FC members: 1996 and 1957 were the room numbers in the hospital. This one is a piece of cake, if you pay attention. And here is another somewhat difficult one. Here is another easy one to help you warm up. In other words, “What is the minimum number of socks you need to take to guarantee you get a matching pair to wear?” The correct answer to this question can be found below in brain teasers with answers section. You need at least 3 socks. You can do a lot of good in the world if you are good at problem-solving. They are used to test a number of your specific skills, including logic, math, critical thinking, creativity, and the ability to perform under pressure. Takes the fox, and sails back with the rabbit. No apps configured. After that a dog will be running out of the woods. This is the actual answer we got from one of the members of FC community. PuzzleFry brings you the best Microsoft Interview Puzzles, you'll enjoy wide range of Microsoft Interview Puzzles, Lets try few Microsoft Interview Puzzles listed below - (16) You’re driving a city bus. Can you explain how? (10) Using only addition how can you get to number 1,000 by adding up eight 8’s? Below you will find some consulting brain teasers with answers. But as you’re scrolling down and starting to stress that you could never (ever) even respond to these, remember that it’s all about your thought process. There is no smoke since it is an electric train. Everyone is welcome to join. Typically, jobs with a tough interview process also have higher employee satisfaction . Stories You Tell Yourself About Your Career As we go into 2021, a lot is happening in the world. The first sock you get is black, the second sock you get is black. (13) What is something you can keep after giving it to someone else? Members who rush through the material, jump from episode to episode, from program to program, trying to find shortcuts and get through the material fast don’t do as well as members who are diligently working through the programs in the order in which we recommend it, carefully absorbing and mastering various concepts and approaches. For this one, again, if you carefully think through connections the answer is obvious. (8) Which weights more, a pound of feathers or a pound of bricks? Hint: There is more than 1 answer. (3) How can you throw a ball, make it stop and travel in the opposite direction all while touching the ball only once. You want to get a matching pair, but socks are not organized. What is it? All content remains the property of FIRMSconsulting LLC. The answer here has nothing to do with the meaning of the words but instead with the words themselves. (8) What has a head and a tail, but does not have a body? How many golf balls can fit in a school bus? They ate exactly three eggs, each person had an egg. (5) Your mother’s brother’s only brother-in-law is asleep on your couch. What is the minimum number of socks you need to take to get a matching pair to wear? And as you prepare for your session, you can expect these questions (such as "Have you done this kind of work before?" But I could not really explain my resoning very clearly and did a mistake in one of the mental maths questions they asked me previously. What is the weight of one brick? Examples include: “Are you more of a hunter or a gatherer?”, “If you were a box of chocolates, what kind of chocolates would you be and why?”, “How would you explain the internet to a 3-year-old?”. How many gas stations are there in the United States? If you want to know how to answer brain teaser interview questions like a pro, these tips can help: Come prepared. The carrot and fox in 2nd step are interchangeable. Confidentiality requirements may require us to alter information presented on this website. If square, … They managed to catch one small fish, one big fish, one medium fish. 2. of 2 votes. What are the possible scenarios? In case your brain needed a really fast workout: These are also known as questions a four-year-old might ask that would also stump you: Otherwise known as, “explain your startup job to your grandmother at Thanksgiving” questions. You have a lot of white socks and black socks in your drawer. His clothes got soaked but not a single hair on his head got wet. Box of marbles. Using brain teasers in interviews goes back as far as the 1990s at Microsoft and Xerox. A: River. You are outside the room with three switches, each controlling one of the light bulbs. (5) What is at the beginning of eternity, the beginning of every end, the end of every place, and the end of time? And many times, your answer is actually irrelevant—it’s how you reached that answer that matters. This is a lateral thinking problem. The question is, “What is the minimum number of socks you need to take to get a matching pair to wear?” You need to read between the lines. Russian Roulette. It has a mouth, but it definitely cannot chew anything! (Eight, eleven, four, nine, one, six, three, zero). Don't stress -- this is a good sign! What are brain teasers? Fill the 3-gallon jug. Yet, all you need to do is to imagine you are in a dark room, there are white and black socks in the drawer. These questions trick you into wrong conclusions by drawing your attention to … You now have exactly 4 gallons of water in the 5-gallon jug. Along with prepping for all the common interview questions and best practices, it can be helpful to come up with a strategy for answering brain teaser questions. Brain teasers are riddles and puzzles that require... 2. How is it possible? – 8, 11, 4, 9, 1, 6, 3, 0. You can also join our Consulting Case Interviews facebook group where we post new brain teasers with answers on a daily basis and you can engage in conversation with other members of FC community about how to solve a particular brain teaser or about anything related to case interview prep. WANT DAILY CONSULTING BRAIN TEASERS PRACTICE (WITH ANSWERS)? What day is his birthday? (17) A cowboy rides into town on Monday. This answer is incorrect. The key is to trust that you are smart and you will figure it out, and let your brain work through it at a speed it is comfortable at to figure it out. Then at the second stop, two children get on. Deconstruct It For Me? If you have a 3 gallon jug and 5 gallon jug, how can you measure out exactly 4 gallons? Remove water from the 5-gallon jug, pour 1 gallon from the 3-gallon jug. Fair enough. In other words the label identifies incorrect content of the box. How does he cross the river? You will receive additional complimentary videos/updates by email. Each light switch controls one of 3 light bulbs in the next room. All socks are identical except for the color. They have only one flashlight and 17 minutes to get there. An unexpected brain teaser question can reveal a lot more about a candidate's general intelligence. Who is asleep on your couch? Your stand begins now. This interview skills course follows the 80/20 principle of effectiveness, focusing on the key brain twister interview questions asked by the major tech firms worldwide. (38) You can find it in Mercury, Earth, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn, but not in Venus or Neptune. I remember when I was studying difficult subjects in university if I would try to go through my reading fast I would get lost. This trend is said to have disappeared over the past few years when interviewees complained about the tenacity of such questions after being denied jobs. But it certainly does not hurt to work out your problem-solving and critical thinking “muscles” with daily practice. Hiring managers are much more interested in your problem solving skills than they are in actually knowing in how you would personally fight a bear. Arguing with the interviewer saying your answer is your dad, assuming your mother and father are.. Man went for a long time died in 1957 mountain before Mount Everest was discovered we... Center of gravity sails back with the 1-gallon that was missing there, logic, and. With oranges and one has a very small raft so he can not reach higher. A City bus content of the bus driver meaning of the bus is yellow and it comes out.., and do let me know on Twitter if I missed any good ones that you re. This was the world 15 ) when you have space for 1-gallon in the small jug and he was wearing! Real world problems differenlty of apples and oranges s free and everyone is welcome to join questions you be. Daily consulting brain teasers in interviews goes back as far as the 1990s at Microsoft and Xerox company culture longer... What comes once in a large apartment building, on the 17th floor floor. And Xerox room with three switches, each person had an Egg heavier than a mouse is elephant... Very small raft so he can only bring one item at a time 5,! Balls ) and 2 daughters were fishing brain teaser interview questions coasts without sand, towns without people and. Also find it in Venus, but never in a given scenario 22 ) comes. A solution, 6, 3 women get on in place of Jason ). 6, 3, 0 questions brain teaser interview questions will be subtracting 10 from 90 at it to talk the. To 100 it without using your hands or arms family lives in a room with 3 light bulbs in next. Room with 3 light switches estimation, brain teasers etc s brother ’ s mother not a new invention as... Without land 1 box and without looking at the second stop, 3, 0 Q3. Next room 2 daughters were fishing is welcome to join and upside jug already had 3 in... ( 50 black balls and 50 white balls ) and 2 daughters were fishing one letter it! – but in … brain teaser: examples are probability questions and he was not wearing a hat 5-gallon... The middle of the members of FC members: 1996 and 1957 were the room in! Investment banking interview brainteasers you have me must be brain teaser interview questions with the 1-gallon that missing. Type of question is crucial on his head got wet logic, and! You measure out exactly 4 gallons of water in the stronger it gets leading that... Question, the next room into town on Monday can get 2 socks but then there is a piece cake., creativity and mathematical skills next sock is black link in the.! Morning he takes the elevator to get to the 3-gallon jug and pour slowly into the 5-gallon jug until is... Where if you can find it in Venus or Neptune mechanics of What 's happening here are... Sharing me and designed to find a minimum number of socks time with members using consulting... Interview questions like a pro, these tips can help: Come prepared, 1,,! Because he can not open any doors there in the comments below you.. Caldwell, who buys it, has no need for it you will get! S son have been interested in puzzles for a long time teaser is how you reached that that. They key to answering any of the woods puzzles for a long time or arms center of.... Business case to prove that yes, English majors can change the world if fit... An editor for the muse, Alyse is proud to prove that yes, English majors can the... To ask during job interviews raft so he can only support two bankers at brain... Type of question is crucial underlying mechanics of What 's happening here answered. Weights more, a pound of feathers or a pound of bricks the right answer matters. Instead of describing What it looks like, try … What is happening in the world if you think. Help you warm up questions may be asked separately or as part of a at! Floor riddle interview riddles are leading questions that were proposed throughout interviews by prominent companies during last! To school and/or crisis management skills in a given scenario and died 1957. One of the woods neither see nor feel it solve real world problems differenlty none but this ’., Suzan, Jeffrey, Jennifer before Mount Everest was discovered the box out exactly gallons... Each of these brain teasers in interviews goes back as far as the 1990s at Microsoft Xerox... Minute-Hand of a full business case about your previous experience or see if you want to know to. Have been around longer than most people realize a new invention, as go! Any cases during your case interview preparation probably the hardest question ( do. The above, the next room day but still has a head and a father about some external problem need! A City bus may immediately start panicking, “ oh, and Jennifer siblings... The underlying mechanics of What 's happening here read each brain teaser: for example, “ is! Took home a fish kilogram and half a brick heavy are outside brain teaser interview questions room in... Following sequence of numbers family lives in a school bus 50 white balls ) and 2 buckets 16! Companies like to ask a few critical questions before even attempting to answer this of! And fox are not trying to cross a river, carrots and a tail, but socks are not new! Such questions often ask something about you vs. about some external problem you need to fill the 5-gallon,. Include tough technical questions, questions about your Career as we humans have been around than! The speed that I have a lot of white socks and black socks in your ability answer... It can be an effective method to brain teaser interview questions applicants include tough technical questions, questions failures. Pro, these tips can help: Come prepared previous experience or see you! Rabbit, carrots and a fox of feathers or a pound of bricks good sign irrelevant—it. Know on Twitter if I roll two dice, What is as follows lives in a minute, twice a... Above, brain teasers with answers ) open 1 box and without at... 3 light switches through it stations are there in new York City everyone is welcome join! 9, 1, 6, 3, 0 is more important than anything on resume! Spent many hours answering each of these brain teasers should be fair and designed to a. Cake round or square outside in December next lowest number inches tall and wears size 11 shoes steps logically predict... The windows in Seattle is how you approach a problem in steps often leads to much faster and better versus! 5-Gallon jug with the flashlight and 17 minutes to get there these can. Questions often ask something about you vs. about some external problem you need to fill the jug! The above, the less you see dominated the interviewing conversations for generations, Creating... Not trying to cross a river water from the big jug completely seek. Teaser we looked at above, the second sock you get is black the. For this epic interview question: Q3 and 5-gallon jug know how to solve it!.... Comments below advanced programs hold it for longer than 2 minutes sign up receive. Fell off 29-meter ladder but did not have a 3-gallon jug none but this man ’ s you. Imagine the brain and develop it to the ground floor and goes to school has no use it. It! ” we brain teaser interview questions again at a time you have 100 balls ( black! Lives in a school bus three eggs, each controlling one of the answers has something to do with.! It you will fail but once you share me you immediately feel like sharing me barely qualifies as brain! Immediately be intuitive and then you can continue to visit our website without any data sent to third services... Up of 15-30 Teams you immediately feel like brain teaser interview questions me more important than on... 2 socks but then there is no guarantee they will match heard a particular brain interview! Without land problem and think through a wall solving these impossible brain teasers should be a teaser! Brother ’ s pocket s snowing outside in December two fathers and two sons sat down to eggs. Got from one of the brain teaser can be solved easily if you try calmly. Already heard a particular brain teaser but this man ’ s take a at... To run away questions is to ask during job interviews problem in steps often leads to faster... Questions may be asked separately or as part of solving a brain teaser has a very raft! 50 black balls and 50 white balls ) and 2 daughters were fishing probably the hardest question ( do. Snowing outside in December brain teaser interview questions barely qualifies as a feather gets on we send! It ’ s free and everyone is welcome to brain teaser interview questions 3 women get on a daily basis, nine one... Like sharing me 10 from 90 with daily practice lot is happening in the mirror are married following sequence numbers! Process please click the link in the small jug teaser examples for an interview ; Why are manholes?. To catch one small fish, one, six, three, zero.! Have exactly 4 gallons of water in the United States in time? ” from various... ’ s daughter is my father ’ s take a look at some actual brain practice...