Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially when facing unexpected questions from a tech giant like Google, known for its rigorous hiring process to uphold its elite brand image. To sift through countless applicants, Google once deployed brainteasing queries like "How many golf balls can fit in a school bus?" or "Why are manhole covers round?" But one riddle gained notoriety after stumping none other than former Google CEO Eric Schmidt himself.
During a recent appearance at the Sea Summit, a gathering of top business leaders, Eric Schmidt—now executive chairman of Alphabet, Google's parent company—was posed a classic Google interview riddle from his CEO tenure:
"You are the captain of a pirate ship with a chest full of gold. Your crew must vote on your proposed division. If fewer than half the pirates agree, you die. How do you divide the gold fairly to ensure your survival?"
Schmidt hesitated, requesting repeats and clarifications, before dismissing it: "That's a really bad question." His eventual proposal? "Offer 49% of the pirates shares in internet-related companies, and let the remaining 51% take the gold." It didn't quite land. Schmidt noted he never endorsed such puzzles, which Google phased out years ago, according to Quartz. Close call for his reputation—but safe.
