Are You Smarter Than a CEO’s Six-Year-Old? The Interview Brain Teaser Driving Candidates Crazy

A CEO’s six-year-old math flex is turning job interviews into a stopwatch showdown, and candidates are not loving it. Dino Dionne says he hands out the brain teaser “3x3 - 3 ÷ 3 + 3” and gives everyone three seconds to answer, then watches who blinks first.

The wild part is the pressure he adds. Dionne claims his kid solved it in 30 seconds, so the test stops being about math and starts feeling like a performance review. People then debate the “right” answer online, with one camp swearing it’s 11 using PEMDAS, and another camp getting different results by reading left to right.

So now the question is less “Can you do the math?” and more “What does this interview style actually measure?”

The Unexpected Brain Teaser

Dino Dionne’s brain teaser has created waves online after he revealed that he asks every interviewee to solve "3x3 - 3 ÷ 3 + 3" in just three seconds. Dionne even claims his six-year-old solved it in 30 seconds, adding pressure to interviewees.

He posted, “I give this test to everyone I interview. If you want the job, you have three seconds to give the correct answer.” Dionne shared that he’s heard many “ridiculous excuses” from those who struggle with the equation, suggesting that the right answer reveals something important about a candidate’s quick thinking.

LinkedIn/Dino Dionne

The Debate Over the Right Answer

Naturally, this “simple” equation stirred a whirlwind of debate. Many insisted the answer is 11, using the PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, and Subtraction) rule, which specifies multiplication and division before addition and subtraction.

They break it down as follows: 3x3=9, 3÷3=1, resulting in 9 - 1 + 3, equaling 11. Others, reading the equation left to right without regard for the order of operations, arrived at different numbers like 5.

LinkedIn/Dino Dionne

Social Media Reactions

Many Reddit users reacted to Dionne’s hiring tactic, calling it unnecessary. One Redditor commented, “The correct answer is to end the interview and find a boss that isn’t a tool.” Others remarked on the “my six-year-old solved it” comment, with one saying, “This is why we need parentheses in math.”

Ultimately, the brain teaser may reveal more about Dionne’s interview style than a candidate’s abilities, leaving people questioning whether it’s the best way to assess potential employees.

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Dionne’s three-second rule is already enough to rattle people, but the “my six-year-old did it” brag is what really spikes the stress in the room.

Then the internet weighs in, with Redditors arguing over PEMDAS versus left-to-right order, like the interview itself wasn’t already a timed trap.

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how candidates present themselves during interviews can significantly impact their perceived competence. Nonverbal cues like posture and eye contact can either enhance or undermine a candidate's confidence and credibility in high-pressure situations.

She suggests that practicing power poses before an interview can help candidates feel more empowered and reduce anxiety. This technique can be particularly effective in brain teaser scenarios, where quick thinking is essential.

After candidates start comparing answers like 11 versus 5, the whole thing shifts from one equation to a bigger question about how Dino Dionne runs hiring.

The Value of Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence (EI) plays a crucial role in how individuals respond to unexpected challenges during interviews.

Practicing mindfulness techniques, such as focused breathing or visualization, can improve one's ability to remain composed under pressure.

And while candidates try to look confident under the clock, the teaser keeps dragging the conversation back to credibility, not just competence.

So, what’s the takeaway from this mind-bending interview trick? Maybe it’s a reminder that sometimes the biggest test in an interview isn’t the question itself but staying calm when things get weird.

Dionne’s quirky brain teaser might spark frustration, but it also forces candidates to embrace the unexpected. Whether or not there’s a “right” answer to 3x3 - 3 ÷ 3 + 3, navigating the quirky challenges of job interviews just might be the best preparation for handling life’s curveballs.

Just remember: in the world of interviews, survival often comes down to a cool head and a little math.

As candidates prepare for interviews that feature challenging brain teasers, a focus on emotional intelligence can significantly enhance their approach. The article emphasizes that in high-pressure scenarios, being attuned to one's emotions and those of others provides a crucial edge. Techniques such as power posing and mindfulness are highlighted as effective strategies for boosting confidence and alleviating anxiety, which can be pivotal when faced with unexpected questions.

Moreover, the article points out that mastering nonverbal communication and emotional regulation is essential for candidates looking to excel. By honing these skills, individuals not only improve their chances of successfully navigating brain teasers but also cultivate a resilient mindset that will serve them well throughout their careers.

Nobody wants to work for free, especially when the “free” part is three seconds of math under pressure.

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