Job Interview Brain Teaser Stuns Candidate with Complex Puzzle

A recent job interview took an unexpected turn when a candidate faced a challenging brainteaser designed to test problem-solving skills. The applicant, who was interviewing for an entry-level position at a multinational corporation, expressed surprise at being asked to solve a puzzle that left them uncertain about their answer.

The brainteaser presented a 3×3 grid filled with letters and posed the question: “What is the missing letter?” The candidate was given four options to fill the vacant spot, which included the letters I, S, Y, and P. After a lengthy test, the job seeker remarked, “It was a pretty long test.”

Many viewers of the interview shared their thoughts online, indicating that such abstract questions often assess a candidate’s approach rather than their ability to provide a definitive answer. One user noted, “If you’re asked this kind of abstract question in a job interview, they’re probably not looking for a ‘correct’ answer but rather how you approach the problem.”

This sentiment was echoed by another commenter, who recounted a similar interview question: “Estimate how many window cleaners are there in New York City.” The focus of these questions, they emphasized, is on problem-solving strategies rather than specific numerical answers.

Some users questioned the appropriateness of such tests in job interviews. One remarked, “What kind of a job are you applying to that gives you a test like this?” Another user expressed skepticism about the hiring practices of companies that rely on brainteasers, stating, “In my opinion, the places that do this have terrible hiring practices and terrible company cultures.”

Responses to the brainteaser varied, with many users suggesting different letters based on their interpretations of patterns within the grid. One user proposed the letter S, explaining that each column appeared to have a pattern of lines, making S a likely candidate. Another user argued for the letter I, citing a pattern of consonants across the grid’s rows and columns.

A third user suggested the letter Y, noting that this choice would create a balance in the number of endpoints of pen lines in each row. The job seeker, reflecting on the community’s insights, concluded that S might indeed be the correct answer, stating, “This looks right! Thank you; it’s been causing me a lot of brain pain.”

These kinds of interview puzzles have sparked debate regarding their relevance and effectiveness in evaluating candidates. While some believe they can reveal critical thinking skills, others criticize them for potentially fostering a stressful interview environment. As the job market continues to evolve, the methods used in interviews remain a topic of significant discussion among both employers and candidates.