What are brain teaser questions?
Brain teaser questions are problems that require more than memorization or standard logic to solve. They are meant to encourage the solver to think critically and creatively.
In the hiring context, brain teasers can be used to assess problem solving, composure under pressure and communication skills rather than the candidate’s ability to reach the correct answer.
Types of brain teaser questions
Not all brain teasers are created equal! They can be categorized into several distinct types, each tapping into different cognitive skills.
Common brain teaser categories include:
Riddles
Riddles are word puzzles that play with double meanings or common phrases. They test verbal reasoning and the ability to understand beyond literal interpretations.
Example: What can you keep after giving it to someone?
(Answer: Your word).
Logic puzzles
Logic puzzles present a scenario with specific conditions and ask you to find the solution, directly assessing analytical and systematic thinking.
Example: You face two doors (one safe, one dangerous), flanked by two guards: one who always lies and one who always tells the truth. You can ask one guard a single question to determine the safe door. What do you ask?
(Answer: Ask either guard, “If I asked the other guard which door is safe, what would they say?” Then choose the opposite door.)
Lateral thinking puzzles
Lateral thinking puzzles take you beyond step-by-step logic, requiring you to approach the problem from a completely new and unexpected perspective. They are excellent for evaluating creativity and innovation.
Example: A man walks into a bar and asks the bartender for a glass of water. The bartender pulls out a gun instead. The man says ‘thank you’ and leaves. Why?
(Answer: The man had hiccups, so the bartender surprised him to cure them.)
Math-based puzzle
Math-based puzzles use numbers and arithmetic to test numerical reasoning, pattern recognition and an understanding of relationships between numbers.
Example: Using the digit 4 eight times, how can you add eight 4s together so that the total is 500?
(Answer: 444 + 44 + 4 + 4 + 4 = 500).
Tips for solving brain teaser questions
Whether you’re a candidate preparing for an interview or a hiring manager trying to understand responses, these strategies can help you tackle brain teasers more effectively.
- Read and listen carefully: Scrutinize every word and the small details for keys to the solution.
- Think aloud: Showcase your process by verbalizing your questions and thought process.
- Ask questions: Ensure you understand all parameters of the problem before beginning.
- Break it down: Tackle complex problems by deconstructing them into smaller, logical steps.
- Consider multiple perspectives: Explore different solutions and be willing to change course.
- Take a moment (and a breath!): Collect your thoughts and take a reasoned, deliberate approach, resisting the urge to rush.
Effectively using brain teasers in the hiring process
When using interview brain teasers as a tool for candidate insights, consider the following:
- Focus on process: Pay attention to how the candidate approaches the problem. Do they stay calm? Do they ask smart questions? Do they think logically?
- Relevance is key: When possible, choose a puzzle related to challenges they might actually face (e.g., a logic puzzle for a data analyst role, a spatial reasoning puzzle for a design role).
- Provide context: Always explain why you are asking the brain teaser question and reassure candidates that the process is more important than a single right answer.
- Know when they’re not a benefit: For certain roles, a skills-based assessment may be more relevant than an abstract riddle.
Finding and integrating brain teasers
You can find a wealth of brain teasers online, in printed puzzle books and on dedicated mobile apps.
When integrating them into your hiring strategy, consider creating a holistic assessment process that includes these puzzles alongside key interview questions, skills tests and portfolio reviews.
This multi-faceted approach, supported by a powerful hiring platform, gives you a clearer understanding of how a candidate thinks, adapts and tackles unexpected challenges in any growing business.
Brain teaser questions offer a unique window into a candidate’s problem-solving process and cognitive agility when used strategically. By focusing on the thought process rather than just the answer, you can gain valuable insights that complement traditional interview methods. By thoughtfully integrating these puzzles, you can identify innovative thinkers equipped to tackle complex challenges.
