Some interview questions that can throw you off

Remember, the interviewer may not be like you always, so there is a very high chance that questions may be asked that can seem a bit strange; they are meant to test how you react to non-planned situations, or adhoc cases; and also to see whether you can handle chaos. For many positions, especially as you either get into project management, or into a more senior position, it is very much possible that you will see more such questions. Here is a sample of what you can expect:

1. Puzzles. People can ask various types of puzzles such as the one that was there in a Bruce Willis movie. You have 2 cans of 3l and 5 litres, and you need exactly 4 litres. Now, for puzzles, even if you do not know the solution, most people expect that you spend time trying to work out the problem, and get onto a path that could eventually lead to a solution. A lack of effort in trying or quickly giving up will look negative.

2. Evaluating behavior. I remember a case where we were led into a room for an interview, one by one. The room had a table with 4 chairs around it, and no one was inside. The chairs were all alike. Once I selected a chair, there were many questions about why that chair, why not another chair, etc.

3. Powers of observation. In another interview, I was asked many questions related to power of observation. So, for example, how many steps were there in the fleet of steps that I came up on, how many people were waiting outside, how long I had to wait, and so on.

4. Everyday knowledge. This has happened in many interviews, where there are questions on what is happening in the country, and in the world. It is hard to quantify as to what are the expectations of a person if the person does not know much, or knows too much, but I have always tried to ensure that one does not end up looking like an ignorant person.