Job interviews aren’t easy to crack. You often have to guess what exactly the recruiter is looking for and whether your requirements align with the company’s vision. However, Microsoft founder Bill Gates believes that job interviews can be cracked successfully if the candidate knows certain tricks. In fact, in an interview back in 2020, Gates revealed secret tricks that coders and other professionals can incorporate in their interviews to crack them successfully.
In an old episode of NBA star Stephen Curry’s YouTube series, “State of Inspiration,” that aired in 2020, Bill Gates did a little role play as a young professional beginning their journey into the world of the IT sector. Gates stepped into the shoes of a college dropout who was applying for a software engineering role at Microsoft. The role-playing exercise provided valuable insights as to how one can tackle the most challenging job interview questions with confidence, honesty, and a strategic mindset.
Gates did a mock interview as a young coder
When faced with the classic opening question, “Why should we hire you?”, Gates didn’t just rattle off technical skills. Instead, he advised candidates to showcase their passion and self-taught expertise, suggesting they highlight their code and ambition. “You should look at the codes that I’ve written. I write software programs way beyond any classes that I’ve taken. I think I’ve gotten better over time, so take a look at how ambitious I’ve been there,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of being a good team player, stating that he works well with others despite being a “harsh critic of code,” and that he is eager to “achieve ambitious goals and anticipate the future of software.”
On the topic of weaknesses, Gates demonstrated a masterclass in strategic honesty. He openly admitted that he was “not a natural at sales or marketing,” preferring instead to focus on product creation. This honesty, he explained, shows a clear understanding of one’s own capabilities and what they bring to the table.
Gates’ top mantra for salary negotiations
When it came to the sensitive subject of salary, he offered a clever negotiation strategy. Gates advised candidates to “express a preference for stock options over cash compensation.” This move signals a strong belief in the company’s future and a willingness to grow alongside it, said Gates.
Although the interview didn’t accommodate the current market situation where AI plays a key role in jobs, Gates’ guidelines continue to provide a basic idea of how clever and honest negotiations can land you your dream job.