Job interviews can be a challenging scenario where not only technical knowledge and experience are valued, but also interpersonal skills and values, such as empathy and generosity. A recent question asked during a conversation attracted attention for its unconventional approach: “How could you divide 5 oranges by exactly 6 people?”.
This interesting question mentioned in the Soha portal and taken over by a Thai newspaper Sanook, some companies used to analyze candidates’ creativity and generosity levels. The answer reflects not only the respondent’s ability to solve problems, but also his or her way of dealing with situations of scarcity and fair distribution.
Three Answers and Three Ways of Thinking
During the selection test, three candidates answered the question differently:
- Pragmatist: argued that since six people had only five oranges, the solution was to buy more fruit rather than try to divide it.
- Creative: He suggested squeezing five oranges and dividing the juice into six equal glasses so that each one received a portion.
- Generous: He decided to peel and cut the oranges into small pieces, put them on a common plate and let each person drink according to their needs and desires.
Although there is no “right” answer, in this case the company chose a third candidate, believing that its decision reflected a greater sense of justice and cooperation.
Why is this question so revealing?
This seemingly simple question allows you to evaluate several key aspects of the candidate:
- problem-solving skills: Creativity in finding the right solution.
- Ability to collaborate: whether you prioritize the well-being of the group over personal gain.
- Flexibility and adaptability: Willingness to adapt to limited resources and share fairly.
In a world of work where interpersonal skills and teamwork are increasingly valued, such questions can make the difference between the average candidate and the candidate who truly aligns with the company’s culture.
