A few days ago I posted about preparing for interview questions.
When I was preparing to interview a few years ago, I boned up on those "trick questions" you sometimes get. These used to be a favorite of consultancy firms, but also some large corporates.
I found a list of them today in some old filing and I have decided to continue my tradition of giving the answers I wish I could give.
- Design a music system for a car. What are the features? Draw a picture
[Takes iPod out of pocket] This a clear enough picture for ya? - Design a communication device for Canadian park rangers
Oh come on! Why replace semaphore? It's fun to watch Canadians look stupid! OOH, what's it all ABOOT? [Laughs hysterically] - Design a coffee maker that will be used by astronauts.
Stop wasting my time, dude. We all know Starbucks has opened six branches up there already. - What are examples of poorly designed software?
[Sighs] Man! Your products! Where do I begin? Why don't you just pick one and then we'll discuss it? - Design an instant messaging system
I need two cans of peas, a can opener, a ball of string and some scissors. - I am your grandmother. Describe what [insert product name here] is to me.
My grandmother is DEAD, you bastard! - How do you test a keyboard?
I hit it on the desk, don't you? - What method would you use to look up a word in a Dictionary?
In a WHAT, now? - How many Christmas trees are there in houses in the world each year on December 25th?
God doesn't like the pagan symbol of the tree. It's decadent and wrong and is an offence to his eye. Shame on thee for idolizing the tree! For shame! For shame!