Using Quirky Interview Questions to Assess Problem Solving Skills in IT Candidates

Technical skills are essential for any IT role, but they only reveal part of the picture. To hire the best talent, you need to look beyond coding competency and find candidates with strong problem-solving abilities. This is where quirky interview questions come in.

The Benefits of Quirky Questions

● Allows you to see how job applicants think on their feet

● Reveals how they break down complex problems, overcome obstacles, and develop creative solutions

● Provides insight into their analytical abilities and ingenuity

Examples of Thought-Provoking Questions

"How many golf balls would fit inside a school bus?" This tests estimation and spatial reasoning skills. Candidates need to visualize shapes and sizes to come up with a logical answer. There may not be one definitive solution, but the process used is very telling.

"If you were shrunk to the size of a penny and dropped in a blender, how would you get out?" This quote-worthy scenario evaluates how imaginatively and rationally applicants react in absurd hypothetical situations. There are no right or wrong answers, but it provides insight into their critical thinking.

"How would you weigh an elephant without using a scale?" Candidates have to question assumptions and identify alternative, unconventional approaches. Successful problem-solvers can think outside the box for workable ideas, like calculating buoyancy or leverage principles.

"You have a 3 gallon jug and a 5 gallon jug - how do you measure out exactly 4 gallons?" Math riddles like this test logic and sequential thinking. Applicants may need to walk through the step-by-step process out loud. The most effective problem-solvers will systematically work through the variables.

Best Practices for Using Quirky Questions

● Give applicants time to think through their responses

● Ensure the questions align with problem-solving ability needed for the role

● Use as a supplement to technical assessments and other interview techniques

● Focus on the problem-solving process, not the "right" answer

The Importance of Assessing Problem Solving Skills

With the rise of AI and automation in tech, problem-solving skills are more valuable than ever. Quirky questions help identify the creative, persistent IT talent you want on your team. This unconventional thinking translates directly into innovation and solution-finding on the job.

When looking to fill technical roles, partnering with a specialized IT recruitment agency can make finding top talent much easier. A recruitment agency that focuses solely on IT and engineering hiring likely has an existing pipeline of qualified candidates. They also have the expertise to evaluate both the hard and soft skills needed for these specialized positions.

Final Thoughts

While quirky questions reveal much about applicants' thinking, they should never be used as a stand-alone screening mechanism. Combine them with other interview techniques like technical assessments, coding challenges, and situational role play. Use them as a supplement to build a well-rounded view of each candidate. Also, you can take help of an IT recruitment agency.

With the rise of AI and automation in tech, problem-solving skills are more valuable than ever. Asking the unexpected during interviews helps identify the creative, persistent IT talent you want on your team. The unconventional thinking needed to ace quirky questions translates directly into innovation and solution finding on the job.