Latest news with #StateofInspiration
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Bill Gates decodes the toughest interview question professionals face: ‘Why should we hire you?'
Even the world's most accomplished entrepreneurs confront the same questions that many job seekers find daunting. Billionaire philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates may never need to participate in a formal job interview, yet in a 2020 conversation for NBA star Stephen Curry's YouTube series State of Inspiration , Gates role-played as a young software engineer — a college dropout preparing for his first professional position at Microsoft. This exercise was more than a performance; it offered both graduates and early-career professionals rare insights into how to approach classic interview questions with clarity, strategic thinking, and confidence. The question every candidate fears Among the questions Gates addressed, none carried greater weight than: 'Why should we hire you?' In responding, he emphasized not only his technical skills but also his collaborative potential. He stated, 'You should look at the codes that I've written. I write software programs far beyond any classes that I've taken. I think I've improved over time, so take a look at how ambitious I've been.' The message was clear: Recruiters evaluate more than raw competence. They seek professionals who demonstrate initiative, a commitment to continuous learning, and measurable achievements. Gates reinforced this perspective by highlighting his ability to work in a team and his adaptability. 'I do think I can work well with people. I might criticise their code a little harshly, but overall, I like to be on a team. I like ambitious goals. I like thinking through how we can anticipate the future. Software is fascinating, and I want to be involved,' he explained. Honesty as a professional asset Another important lesson emerged when Gates discussed weaknesses. When asked to reflect on areas for improvement, he candidly admitted, 'I'm not a natural at sales or marketing; I would rather focus on product creation and definition.' This transparency underscores a timeless principle: Self-awareness and honesty can strengthen a candidate's profile, provided it is paired with a clear articulation of the value one brings to an organization. Employers today seek professionals who can identify gaps in their skills, pursue growth opportunities, and communicate effectively without exaggerating or underselling their capabilities. Approaching compensation conversations strategically Discussions about compensation often intimidate applicants, yet Gates approached the topic with thoughtfulness. He stated, 'I hope the option package is good. I'm able to take a risk, and I think the company has a great future, so I prefer to receive stock options even more than cash compensation.' By prioritizing equity over immediate cash, Gates conveyed confidence in the company's trajectory and positioned himself as a long-term contributor. For professionals in 2025, understanding how to balance compensation expectations with company vision and personal growth opportunities remains a critical negotiation skill. Lessons for job seekers in 2025 Stephen Curry summarized the broader takeaway succinctly: Gates' mock interview responses reveal a framework for presenting oneself with confidence, curiosity, and strategic foresight. Modern recruiters evaluate more than technical ability; they also assess teamwork, honesty, adaptability, and negotiation skills. Whether pursuing careers in coding, product strategy, or design, professionals who combine technical competence with foresight and integrity stand out. Gates' approach demonstrates a principle that transcends time and industry: The most compelling candidates are those who couple talent with ambition, ethical professionalism, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to a team's collective objectives. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here. Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Mint
2 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Crack job interviews: Here's how Bill Gates would have answered ‘Why should we hire you'
Billionaire philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates may never need to sit through a job interview, but his suggestions on how to nail a job interview can become a life-changer for fresh graduates facing an uncertain job market. In a 2020 YouTube interview for NBA star Stephen Curry's series called 'State of Inspiration', Gates role-played as a young engineering college dropout applying for his very first job at Microsoft. He answered common interview questions like 'Why should we hire you?' and 'What are your salary expectations?,' reflecting his extensive knowledge after being in the software domain for over 50 years. When asked why he should be hired, Gates did not just list his skills, he pointed to his portfolio by suggesting the interviewer to look at the codes he had 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. But his response did not just end with his technical skills, he also showcased his soft skills such as the ability to work well in a team. 'I do think I can work well with people. I might criticize their code a little harshly, but overall, I like to be on a team. I like ambitious goals. I like thinking through how we can anticipate the future,' he said in the interview. Gates also addressed a common interview stumbling block: weaknesses. Gates admitted he wasn't a natural at sales or marketing and would prefer to focus on product creation and definition. This open response did not make him look weak, instead it framed him as a self-aware professional who knew what he was bringing to the table and what he did not. The conversation on salary expectations can be awkward, but Gates handled it with confidence. He did not focus entirely on the immediate cash but instead prioritized long-term growth, stating 'I hope the option package is good. I'm able to take a risk, and I think the company has a great future, so I prefer to get stock options even more than cash compensation. I hear some other companies are paying a lot, but treat me fairly and emphasize the options," he said. This response showed his confidence in the company's future and the ability to negotiate smartly. As Stephan Curry summarized, Gates' mock interview answers showed that a successful candidate is one who is confident, passionate, and eager to learn. Modern-day recruiters are looking for more than just technical skills. They seek qualities such as teamwork, self-awareness, and smart negotiation. Whether it's coding, sales, or design, if a candidate shows that they care about their craft and are excited to grow with the team, the candidate can make a lasting impression and land the job. Disclaimer: This story is for educational purposes only. The views and recommendations made above are those of experts, and not of Mint.
India Today
2 days ago
- Business
- India Today
Why should we hire you? Bill Gates shares perfect answers for job interviews
Billionaire philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates may never need to sit through a job interview, but in a 2020 chat for NBA star Stephen Curry's YouTube series State of Inspiration, Gates role-played as a young software engineer -- a college dropout applying for his very first job at answered classic interview questions like 'Why should we hire you?' and 'What are your salary expectations?' Gates' answers were sharp, relatable, and full of tips for anyone preparing to land a showing how he would tackle questions every candidate dreads, the world's second-richest man suddenly became relatable to graduates facing tough job interviews in an uncertain BIGGEST QUESTION: WHY SHOULD WE HIRE YOU? To answer this question, Gates leaned on his passion for coding and his years of self-taught programming.'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 he didn't stop at technical skills. He added, 'I do think I can work well with people. I might criticise their code a little harshly, but overall, I like to be on a team. I like ambitious goals. I like thinking through how we can anticipate the future. Software is cool, and I want to be involved.'His answer is a reminder that recruiters want more than talent -- they want team players who can adapt, think ahead, and stay excited about the WEAKNESSES, AND BEING HONESTWhen asked about his weaknesses, Gates admitted he wasn't a natural at sales or marketing, saying he would rather focus on product creation and openness showed that honesty can actually make you look stronger in an interview -- as long as you're clear about what you bring to the SALARY EXPECTATION TRICKSalary talks can be awkward, but Gates handled it smoothly.'I hope the option package is good. I'm able to take a risk, and I think the company has a great future, so I prefer to get stock options even more than cash compensation. I hear some other companies are paying a lot, but treat me fairly and emphasise the options," he response showed two things: confidence in the company's future and the ability to negotiate smartly. By focusing on stock options, he framed himself as someone willing to grow with the FOR JOB SEEKERSCurry summed it up best -- Gates' mock interview answers show you can present yourself as confident, passionate, and eager to recruiters look for more than skills: teamwork, honesty about weaknesses, and smart negotiation matter just as much. Whether it's coding, sales, or design, employers want to see that you care about the craft and can grow with the team.- Ends
News18
2 days ago
- Business
- News18
‘Why Should We Hire You', ‘Salary Expectations': Bill Gates Answers As He Dons Job Seeker Coat
Last Updated: Bill Gates wore the shoes of a job seeker at Microsoft and answered the most difficult questions asked at an interview. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates turned into a young college dropout software engineer seeking his first job at Microsoft, role-playing and facing tough questions to crack an opportunity in a dynamic job market. In 2020, during NBA star Stephen Curry's YouTube series 'State of Inspiration', Gates answered to perfection questions such as 'Why should we hire you?" and 'What are your salary expectations?" Why Should We Hire You? Answering the question, Gates mentioned his coding passion and explained how he would go about it if hired in the company. '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, India Today reported. 'I do think I can work well with people. I might criticise their code a little harshly, but overall, I like to be on a team. I like ambitious goals. I like thinking through how we can anticipate the future. Software is cool, and I want to be involved," Gates explained. When asked what his weaknesses were, he said that he was not natural at sales or marketing, but stressed that he would rather put his focus on product creation and definition. His honesty showed that being open in an interview can actually make you look more confident — as long as you clearly explain the value you can offer to the company. What's Your Salary Expectation? This is where interviewees get awkward and nervous about what to ask, however, Gates took on the question with smartness and said, 'I hope the option package is good. I'm able to take a risk, and I think the company has a great future, so I prefer to get stock options even more than cash compensation. I hear some other companies are paying a lot, but treat me fairly and emphasise the options." view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
