Investment banking interviews are well known for including brain teasers and puzzle questions to assess candidates’ logical thinking and problem solving abilities. By mastering a few key tips and tricks, candidates can greatly improve their performance on these questions. Having a pdf compilation of sample brain teasers is an invaluable preparation resource.
Understand the purpose behind the brain teasers
Interviewers ask brain teasers not to stump candidates, but to assess thought process and how one approaches a novel problem with limited information. The objective is to showcase analytical skills and creativity, rather than necessarily getting the “right” answer. Keeping this framework in mind helps candidates demonstrate their competencies effectively.
Practice a structured approach to solving
Rather than jumping straight into calculations when tackling a puzzle, take a moment to listen carefully, gather all relevant information, restate the problem, and think through potential solutions strategies. Verbalizing your thought process is key to showcasing your competencies.
Use diagrams and examples to explain reasoning
Visual representations and numerical examples can greatly strengthen your explanations around approach and logic. For instance, a quick decision tree, graph, or sample calculation can illuminate the step-by-step reasoning behind your proposed solution path.
Show creativity in framing assumptions
Many puzzles require making certain assumptions due to limited problem information. Explicitly state your assumptions and provide logical rationale around factors you may have to estimate or bounds you set. This creativity demonstrates strong analytical chops.
Practice repeatedly with sample teasers
As with learning any new skill, frequent repetition and practice is key to mastering brain teasers. Having a trusted pdf guide with sample puzzles across banking groups and question archetypes accelerates preparation tremendously.
By internalizing a structured problem-solving approach, emphasizing clear communication of your logic, leveraging visuals to bolster explanations, judicious use of assumptions, and repeated practice, candidates can drastically boost their aptitude and confidence for tackling brain teasers in investment banking interviews.