The former CEO of Microsoft used to ask every job candidate the same tricky question and has now shared the correct approach to answering it effectively.
Steve Ballmer, former CEO of Microsoft and current owner of the LA Clippers, has shared a unique approach to job interviews.
Ballmer, known for his cancidness, has discussed how he tested potential hires with a tricky question.
The trick question every job candidate faced
During his time as Microsoft’s CEO, Ballmer often asked candidates a question designed to test their problem-solving skills and ability to think critically. The question was simple in appearance but tricky in execution.
He would say: “I’m thinking of a number between one and 100. You can guess after each attempt, and I’ll tell you whether your guess is high or low. If you get it on the first try, you win five bucks.
The second guess earns four bucks, the third three, and so on. If you miss all guesses, you owe me money.”
Ballmer’s point wasn’t about the game itself; it was about how the candidate approached the challenge.
What Ballmer seeks in candidates
Ballmer explained that the question served as a tool to gauge a few key qualities in potential hires.
“I think you want to understand the person, their motivation, their academic record, and their problem-solving ability,” he said.
These are the traits that matter most to Ballmer when selecting employees.
How candidates should answer the question
The correct approach to the question isn’t to guess numbers in a random fashion. Instead, it’s about strategy. Ballmer wants candidates to step back and consider the probabilities.
He clarified: “There are far more numbers on which you’ll lose than win, even with a good strategy. You need to consider if you should even play the game.”
In fact, the game isn’t about winning, but about recognizing the challenge and understanding the odds involved.
Additionally, Ballmer also shared a memorable moment when a candidate at Purdue University handled the question in a way that impressed him.
The candidate immediately grasped the concept of expected value and wrote out the math.
Ballmer recounted: “He said, ‘Here’s the answer,’ wrote it down, and explained the expected value of the game.”*
This showed Ballmer the candidate’s ability to think logically and assess risks—a trait he highly values in employees.
What the question teaches about job interviews
Ballmer’s trick question serves as a valuable lesson in how to approach challenges.
It’s not about jumping into action without thought, but about stepping back to consider the bigger picture.
In interviews, candidates should demonstrate their ability to evaluate problems carefully and think critically.
Ultimately, the game isn’t about guessing the number correctly. It’s about showcasing one’s problem-solving approach and ability to think strategically.
This insight can be applied to any job interview, especially in fields where critical thinking is paramount.
In conclusion, Steve Ballmer’s trick question illustrates the importance of problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.
By focusing on these qualities, candidates can improve their chances of success in job interviews.