3 Fun Problem-Solving Questions in a Job Interview

Let’s Test Your Problem-Solving Skills

Photo by Josh Riemer on Unsplash

A month ago, I attended a job interview with a French bank and a local medium-sized enterprise. In both of the interviews, I was asked to solve few problem-solving questions. They were meant to test my problem-solving skills. I guess this is a new trend in job interviews these days for an I.T. position since my job primarily requires good logical thinking.

Modesty aside, I was able to answer all the questions correctly. Probably my brain cells were much awake that time. I successfully received a job offer from both companies, but I landed a job with a multinational corporation.

I thought that the problem-solving questions given to me were fun, so I wanted to share them with you.

Here they are!

The Light Bulb Challenge

Photo by Aurélien Lemasson-Théobald on Unsplash

Suppose there was a room with three hanging light bulbs. All of them work fine.

Each light bulb has a switch. All three switches are located outside of the room and 5 meters away from the room.

How can you tell which switch is for which light bulb if you are given just one chance to enter the room and see the light bulbs?

You must identify the switch for each light bulb.

The Gallons of Water Challenge

Photo by Tom Crew on Unsplash

Suppose you were given a 4-gallon pitcher and a 3-gallon pitcher. Both pitchers have no markings of measurement.

There is also a faucet from where you can get water and a sink to pour water out.

Using the two pitchers, how can you exactly get 2 gallons of water into the 4-gallon pitcher?

Remember that you have no other container other than the two pitchers.

The Bicycle Challenge

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Suppose you have a brand new bicycle and a spare wheel.

Each of the wheels can travel a maximum distance of 500 kilometers.

With the new bicycle and a spare wheel, what is the maximum distance that you can travel?

So, how was it? Were you able to solve them? Fun and challenging, right?

I hope you had fun! If you are still solving, I know you can do it! But, if you need to know the answers, please let me know in the comment section.

Good luck, and thanks for reading!