In a revealing interview with Bloomberg, former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer shared a distinctive question he consistently posed during job interviews—a question he believed unveiled significant insights about a candidate’s decision-making and risk assessment abilities. This approach, which Ballmer employed throughout his 14-year tenure leading the tech giant, was designed to evaluate how potential employees think under pressure and assess risk versus reward scenarios.
The question was structured as a game: “I’m thinking of a number between one and 100. You can guess. After each guess, I’ll tell you whether it’s higher or lower. If you guess it on the first try, I’ll give you five dollars. On the second, four dollars, and so on. After five guesses, you start paying me—one dollar for the sixth guess, two for the seventh, and so forth.” This setup creates a scenario where the candidate must decide whether to engage in the game, knowing that the odds of winning decrease with each guess, and the potential for loss increases.
Ballmer’s intention with this question was not to test a candidate’s ability to guess numbers but to observe their approach to problem-solving and risk evaluation. He was interested in whether candidates would recognize that, statistically, the game is designed to result in a loss for the player. The optimal response, according to Ballmer, would be to decline to play the game altogether, demonstrating an understanding of the unfavorable odds and the wisdom to avoid unnecessary risk.
This interview question gained attention on social media platforms like TikTok, where users discussed its implications. One user noted, “At first glance, this seems like a simple game of chance, but it’s actually designed to assess the candidate’s risk analysis, decision-making, and understanding of probability.” Another commented, “Sometimes, the smartest move is knowing when not to play.”
Ballmer recounted that only one candidate, a student from Purdue University, provided a mathematically grounded response. The student quickly calculated the expected value of the game and concluded that it was not advantageous to play, impressing Ballmer with his analytical approach.
This unconventional interview tactic reflects Ballmer’s broader perspective on leadership and decision-making. He emphasized the importance of strategic thinking and the ability to assess situations beyond face value—skills crucial for success in dynamic business environments.
Incorporating such thought-provoking questions into interviews can reveal how candidates handle uncertainty and make decisions under pressure. It challenges them to think critically and demonstrates their capacity to evaluate complex scenarios—qualities that are invaluable in any professional setting.
