Don't Feel Bad, Eric Schmidt Can't Answer Google's Crazy Interview Questions Either A riddle stumped the Alphabet executive chairman at a recent conference.

By Nina Zipkin

Bloomberg | Getty Images
Eric Schmidt, executive chairman of Alphabet Inc.

Job interviews are stressful for everyone involved. Candidates aim to put their best foot forward, and hiring managers strive to ensure they don't waste time and resources on the wrong person.

Tech giant Google (now owned by parent company Alphabet) used to devise something of a philosophical obstacle course with its odd interview questions -- asking people everything from "How many ways can you think of to find a needle in a haystack?" to "If you could be remembered for one sentence, what would it be?"

In recent years, Google has retired these brainteasers, though it's been tough for some interviewers to drop the habit entirely.

During a talk at the Summit at Sea conference earlier this month, someone posed one of the infamous interview questions to Alphabet executive chairman and former Google CEO Eric Schmidt: "You're the captain of a pirate ship and you find a chest of gold. Your crew gets to vote on how the gold is divided up. If fewer than half of the pirates agree with you, you die. How do you recommend apportioning the gold in such a way that you get a good share of the booty but still survive?"

The question reportedly caught Schmidt off guard. He asked for it to be repeated and whether he could be permitted a few follow-ups, noting, "This is, like, a really bad question." Ultimately, he provided a humorous solution, allotting the gold to 51 percent of the pirates and giving stock options to the other 49 percent.

Related: The 5 Must-Ask Interview Questions to Determine if Someone's a Fit

It seems that Google was wise to phase out its confusing riddles, given that one of the company's longtime leaders couldn't decipher this question or what it was meant to elicit. Always keep in mind that, if there's a practice within your company that has an unclear purpose, you're well within your rights to change it.

We want to hear from you: What is the weirdest question you were ever asked in a job interview? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter.
Nina Zipkin

Entrepreneur Staff

Staff Writer. Covers leadership, media, technology and culture.

Nina Zipkin is a staff writer at Entrepreneur.com. She frequently covers leadership, media, tech, startups, culture and workplace trends.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business News

Here Are the 10 Highest-Paying Jobs with the Lowest Risk of Being Replaced By AI: 'Safest Jobs Right Now'

A new report from career resources platform Resume Genius finds the top 10 AI-proof careers expected to see the most growth within the next decade.

Science & Technology

How I Went From Side Hustle to 7 Figures Using These 4 AI Tools (No Tech Skills Needed)

Scale faster, work less and grow a 7-figure business — no team needed.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Real Estate

Why Buying a 'Second Home' First is the New Way to Build Wealth — and Enjoy Free Vacations

The dream of owning a home has never felt more out of reach. So, a growing number of aspiring homeowners are making an unconventional choice.

Money & Finance

Why This Market Dip Is Your Chance to Accelerate Product Velocity, Win Customers and Own the Next Cycle

When markets go quiet and headlines fade, the founders who keep building, shipping, and listening are the ones who will be ready when the next bull run erupts without warning.

Health & Wellness

How Mastering Your Nervous System Boosts Leadership Presence and Performance

Discover a modern leadership system designed to boost your effectiveness, reduce stress and bring more clarity and joy to how you lead.