This is my first blog entry for 2009 and I wanted to throw in a couple of interview questions I found amusing. These are quite unique questions asked during an interview mostly derived from Microsoft interview questions which arguably test a person's analytical and creative thinking while some may just dismiss it as purely a matter of common sense. You be the judge and I hope you find it helpful."Microsoft" interview question no. 1: Why are manhole covers round?
My answer: Manhole covers are round because they are made to cover round holes. Not all manholes are created round (believe it or not some manholes are square and triangles) so the more interesting question is why are manholes commonly round? Manholes are commonly made round because it is found that among all available simple shapes that can be used, the shape of a circle has been found to be the strongest ( in the engineering aspect ) and better able to handle structural stress.
Another sensible answers is: Manhole covers are round so that it would be impossible for it to fall through the manhole and endanger people or damage property inside the hole. Unlike other shapes, a round cover will not pass through a corresponding round hole (assuming they're same size) no matter which ever you try to shift it.
"Microsoft" interview question no. 2: If you're on a boat with a heavy suitcase and you throw that heavy suitcase into the ocean, will the ocean water level rise because of it? Why or Why not?
Pretty straightforward this question if you have a few assumptions. If you assume that the boat you are on is floating on the same ocean you threw the heavy suitcase in, then the water level will not rise because you're already in the ocean to begin with. If you are on a boat on a drydock and you threw the suitcase into the ocean, the water level no matter how insignificantly minute and difficult to measure will rise.
Another good follow-up question to the second interview question is, does the thrown suitcase float or sink when it hits the water. I'll let you do some thinking and researching on that. :D
Happy new year and thank you for reading callcenterblogger.com!
