Interviews and Answering Logic Questions

Forever

I went for an interview, and I had to do a logic test regarding 3 jars of jellybeans. I have a statistics degree, so I immediately set to solving it in this way, and got the answer right! However, one of the interviewers spluttered that no one ever gets this question right.

On reflection after the interview, I got the impression that they suspected that I already knew the answer, and that I hadn't worked it out at all.

Today, I got a rejection email.

I feel kind of miffed if they thought I already knew it (I hate to say this, but I did wonder if it had something to do with being an older woman rather than a young geeky looking lad - but I could be wrong). On the other hand, I find it funny that you get these types of questions right, and then they reject you anyway! :rotfl:

I'll have to remember to deliberately get it wrong next time!

London50

I had the same type of situation many years ago {I am now retired} when asked a question I answered truthfully but found out after that the answer I gave although IMO correct would have entailed others having to work extra time {with pay} and they were not prepared to do that.
In the end I was glad I missed out on the job as the one that I got after employed me for nearly 20 years and with far better pay.
I always believe there is a reason why these things happen and I hope the next company you try for see the skills you can offer and welcome you with open arms :0)

Guest101

Remember an interview isn't about answering the questions correctly, but more about yourself as a candidate - the whole picture.

Forever

London50 wrote: »

I had the same type of situation many years ago {I am now retired} when asked a question I answered truthfully but found out after that the answer I gave although IMO correct would have entailed others having to work extra time {with pay} and they were not prepared to do that.
In the end I was glad I missed out on the job as the one that I got after employed me for nearly 20 years and with far better pay.
I always believe there is a reason why these things happen and I hope the next company you try for see the skills you can offer and welcome you with open arms :0)

Yes, sometimes things do seem to work out in a certain way.

I am starting a contract on Monday anyway, and despite the pay not being great, I am looking forward to having some regular work.

So, hopefully, this is one of those times.

Hermia

What was the actual purpose of that part of the interview? I say that because I had one where I had to talk about the different uses for a potato. There was a training element to the job and they were actually looking to see if you explained your uses for the potato in an engaging and interesting way. So someone whose answer was silly, but kept the audience engaged would be a more attractive candidate than someone who came up with the perfect list, but was dull.

Forever

Guest101 wrote: »

Remember an interview isn't about answering the questions correctly, but more about yourself as a candidate - the whole picture.

I completely agree. During the interview, one interviewer seemed more keen than the other. I also received a weak handshake from the one that seemed less keen at the beginning of the interview and at the end, which I usually interpret as a sign of 'not really interested'.

But I am sure if they thought I couldn't possibly have arrived at the correct answer by myself then that would greatly count against me too. When you think about that, it is pretty funny!

PasturesNew

They're not interested in the right/wrong answer (bizarre, I know!), they're interested in the processes you used.

You're right: Old bird - nobody wants to work with their mum... you can see it in their eyes when you walk in and they realise "Blimey, this great CV belongs to somebody old enough to be my mum/gran"

Forever

Hermia wrote: »

What was the actual purpose of that part of the interview? I say that because I had one where I had to talk about the different uses for a potato. There was a training element to the job and they were actually looking to see if you explained your uses for the potato in an engaging and interesting way. So someone whose answer was silly, but kept the audience engaged would be a more attractive candidate than someone who came up with the perfect list, but was dull.

Good point.

They said they were looking for someone who would use logic, and they said they didn't expect people to get the right answer. I straight away started talking about probabilities and certainties.

In hindsight, I suspect they didn't want me to go down a mathematical route, or to actually solve it! Just to talk generically in a logical way about the 'problem'.

PasturesNew

Hermia wrote: »

... the perfect list, but was dull.

That's probably where I'd fit in. Everything to me is logical, factual, organised and .... dull. It's an interview... you have to be "business like" ... unless you asked for a dancing potato game demonstrator (but then I'd have not applied for that as it implies cheery/chirpy person who can entertain, which isn't me).

Happy to be dull. I'm one of those "quiet, sneaky, super intelligent, dry sense of humour types" Easily hidden when I feel an occasion requires me to be "sensible sounding".

Forever

PasturesNew wrote: »

They're not interested in the right/wrong answer (bizarre, I know!), they're interested in the processes you used.

You're right: Old bird - nobody wants to work with their mum... you can see it in their eyes when you walk in and they realise "Blimey, this great CV belongs to somebody old enough to be my mum/gran"

Yeah, I did kind of think that...

And not only that I look old enough to be their mum, but I also had a huge spot (which I never get!)! On top of that, I dressed up reasonably smart and they were in jeans. If I had known, I would have worn my jeans and trainers and would have probably have looked a bit more 'with it'.

Forever

PasturesNew wrote: »

That's probably where I'd fit in. Everything to me is logical, factual, organised and .... dull. It's an interview... you have to be "business like" ... unless you asked for a dancing potato game demonstrator (but then I'd have not applied for that as it implies cheery/chirpy person who can entertain, which isn't me).

Happy to be dull. I'm one of those "quiet, sneaky, super intelligent, dry sense of humour types" Easily hidden when I feel an occasion requires me to be "sensible sounding".

You sound just like my cup of tea