## Introduction

The elevated level of competition in the modern world when it comes to jobs has led to employers setting extraordinary questions to guess how creative the candidate is, his or her problem-solving abilities, and also whether he or she will fit in the organizational culture of the employer organization. Such questions which may include imaginary cases, brainers, etc. force candidates to come up with something on their own and prove some of the aspects that typical questions can fail to reveal.

## The Rise of Unconventional Interview Questions

Large-scale technology corporations such as Google and Microsoft were the first to start introducing wacky questions as part of their interviews which offered a direct attempt to assess the applicants not only as machinery for implementing technological solutions but as individuals capable of handling the environments and challenges they would face. The reasoning behind these questions is simple: as important as qualifications and hard skills, work experience, creativity, flexibility, and the ability to conform to the company’s culture are equally important. These questions explore how a candidate thinks, works under conditions of uncertainty, and deals with other people – things that can be traced in their performance over years at the position.

## Why Employers Use Unconventional Questions

![Image from FreePik](img/team-leader-teamwork-concept_74855-6671.jpg "Image from FreePik")

Image from FreePik

Employers increasingly rely on unconventional interview questions to assess candidates' problem-solving abilities, creativity, and cultural fit. For instance, a question like "How many flowers would it take to fill a stadium?" reveals how a candidate tackles complex, open-ended problems. Meanwhile, questions such as "If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be and why?" test creativity and the ability to apply abstract thinking to job-related scenarios. These unconventional questions help interviewers see beyond rehearsed answers and gain insight into a candidate's true capabilities and potential fit within the company.

## Examples of Unconventional Interview Questions

In interviews, employers often use unconventional questions to assess a candidate's analytical skills, creativity, and cultural fit. For instance, brain teasers like "Why are manhole covers round?" test logical thinking, while hypothetical scenarios such as "If you were stranded on a deserted island, which three items would you bring and why?" evaluate adaptability and problem-solving. Personality-driven questions, like "If you were an animal, which one would you be and why?" provide insight into self-perception, and cultural fit is gauged through quirky questions like "What would you do if you found a penguin in the freezer?" These unconventional questions offer a deeper understanding of how candidates think and react in various situations, revealing qualities that traditional questions might miss.

## Preparing for Unconventional Interview Questions

When faced with unconventional interview questions, it’s important to stay calm and take a moment to think before responding. These questions are meant to surprise you, so it’s perfectly fine to pause and gather your thoughts. As you work through your answer, think aloud to share your thought process with the interviewer—this can be as valuable as the answer itself. Don’t hesitate to be creative; original responses can leave a lasting impression. Lastly, whenever possible, link your answers back to the role you're applying for to demonstrate your ability to connect ideas to practical applications.

## Сonclusion

While interview questions that seem odd can cause some stress, they have a feature of helping the interviewer evaluate your ability to think, and be creative, and how you will fit in the company. Understanding the rationale behind these questions and when you prepare, you can utilize them as a strong weapon for spotlighting yourself in the next job interview you shall attend.

Expect the unexpected and your name will be sure to appear next to the word ‘hiring’ many times over.


Check out our latest article for tips on acing even the wildest interview questions!

Think Fast: Top 10 The Most Interesting Questions on Job Interview

## Introduction

Nowadays, a new field has come up where neuroscience meets visual arts. Discover the Neuroartists, the creative experts who are changing how we see, engage with, and gain from art. This new field is not only changing art; it's also helping science, therapy, and our knowledge of thinking. A Neuroartist is someone who uses their understanding of the brain and their artistic talents to make special art that affects how people feel and think. These creators use their knowledge of the brain and nervous system to make art that affects the mind, not just looks good. They're not just creating beautiful images; we're building experiences that can change the way our brains work and affect how we think.

## Role of Neuroartists

Neuroartists have many roles in their jobs, and each part helps us learn more about how art affects the brain. Visual experimenters create art that shows how colors, shapes, and movements can change how we feel. A neuroartist could make abstract paintings with colors that make parts of our brain feel in different ways, to see how people react and learn about how colors affect our brains.

Neuroartists create art that lets people interact with it directly. They study how this interaction changes how people see and feel about the art. Art installations often use biofeedback, so the art changes when people react to it. Art and viewers interact in a way that makes the experience special and mixes up the roles of the artist, the art, and the people looking at it.

## Essential Skills for Aspiring Neuroartists

Another significant part of a neuroartist's job is collaboration with the medical community. They work together with neurobiologists and psychologists to explore ways in which art might be used in treatment and in the rehabilitation of patients with neurological disorders. The discoveries in this cross-pollination have been art therapy applied to PTSD, depression, and even the early stages of Alzheimer's. It is through the work of this pioneering group of professionals that it has never been more apparent that art can heal and support mental health.

Neuroartists are further well-mobilized in the field of data visualization, wherein complex neurological data is brought out to create visually compelling and informative artworks. This is not only enhancing scientific communication but creating an absolutely new form of data-driven art between science and creativity. A neuroartist creates the opportunity to break down complex scientific ideas into recognizable forms for the public, therefore demystifying neuroscience and making a connection to people's understanding of how their brains function.

Neuroartists also make some important contributions in the field of education, as some take on a teaching responsibility in order to help train the future generation of artists and interdisciplinary scientists. Most of them head workshops and seminars on the collusion of art and neuroscience, which makes the students think beyond transmissive boundaries and consider cross-discipline possibilities for work.

This ultra-modern field will require an unusual mixture of artistic and scientific skills for the neuroartist to survive. It means having a strong artistic background in a number of ways and media, such as painting and sculpture, which are of the traditional form, and digital art forms. This also comprises having a basic knowledge of neurobiological sciences that would have encompassed brain anatomy and cognitive processes and a glimpse into how the nervous system interprets visual information.

Mastery of modern technology is another strategic aptitude that should belong to the professional of neuroart. Such a one should be highly competent in modern tools and software for the creation and analysis of art projects. That may often imply 3D-modeling software, VR/AR tools, and programs for the visualization of data. The measurement of the impact on the audience, designing experiments, and drawing meaningful conclusions may further add to the field of neuroart.

## The Tech Connection: Programming in Neuroart

Programming is a part of the toolkit for many neuroartists who create complex interactive and data-driven artworks. Using languages like Python or JavaScript, programmers develop responsive art pieces sensitive to viewer interactions. For example, installation-based work that employs computer vision devices to follow viewer movement could alter accordingly. Programming further provides neuroartists with an ability to turn complex neurological data into stunning, poignant artworks, which present dynamic visualizations of brain activity during different emotional states.

It is exactly in such a virtual and augmented reality setting—very advanced in terms of required programming skills—that neuroartists in the future can host and ensure an immersive experience for artistic expression and therapeutic applications. Some neuroartists have gone so far as to experiment with AI algorithms that create art adaptive through aggregated viewer responses, effectively "learning" to evoke specific emotional or cognitive states.

## Career Prospects and Earning Potential

Being an emerging field, neuroart holds exciting opportunities for people at the edge who follow this new discipline. With specific salary data scarce in this new field, experts suggest neuroartists can expect competitive compensation, and as demand for this highly unique skill set increases, salary figures range from $50,000 to $100,000 per annum based on experience, location, and specific role. Those working in research institutions or running their studios may fall on the higher end of this spectrum. In addition to studio revenues, neuroartists can also generate revenues from sales of artworks, exhibitions, grants, and consultancy for business industries, particularly the ones that are hungry to include neuroart principles in their products or services.

Neuroart is soon to have a very promising future because, with every new discovery made concerning the human brain, professional neuroartists become increasingly important. These people are not those who just create art but are pioneers of new ways to comprehend our cognitive and emotional reactions to visual stimulation. It even opens up the ability of neuroart for use in the development of new treatments for a variety of neurological and psychological conditions in therapeutic applications. For instance, neuroartists are developing a VR experience for the treatment of phobias and anxiety disorders.

There is a call for integrating neuroart into education, for example, to provide advanced learning processes. With this clear insight on how the brain simplifies and retains visual information, neuroartists will be able to develop various teaching and learning tools that will increase the retention and learning experience. Accordingly, in the future, this should enable personally tailored art experiences that maximize the emotional or cognitive benefits that each viewer gets, in keeping with our advancing knowledge of the differences in the functioning of the nervous systems of the two.

As with any other developing area of activity that can potentially guide cognition and affect, neuroart raises important ethical questions that will need to be addressed as it matures. The potential of manipulation, coupled with the responsibility that comes with the ability to manipulate neural processes, is already being discussed in the neuroart community.

The principles of neuroart are applied beyond the world of art and influence various fields, such as architecture, product design, and digital interface development, to target the creation of more engaging and emotionally resonant experiences for users and consumers.

## Conclusion

In summary, the intertwining of neuroscience and art in neuroart represents an exciting new frontier for both creative expression and scientific understanding. For students interested in the inexactness of science married to the limitless blurs of creativity, neuroartistry becomes a wonderful method to probe the depths of human cognition through the lens of artistic construct. This continuously developing field of study will undeniably bring forth more revolutionary works that might challenge conventional understanding of art, science, and the human mind. Today's neuroartists are not only making art, but they are creating new paths for the future of our engagement and benefits from visual experiences in general, and they are leading the way with innovations that will eventually transform health, education, and way beyond.


Curious about how art can change your mind? 🧠🎨

Art That Gets in Your Head: The Rise of Neuroartists

## Introduction

Programming was not static for a long time, and developers are always looking for new and better ways to improve their skills. Even though courses and textbooks are still useful, there is an interactional method that is gaining popularity – games.

Surprisingly, there are countless exciting and informative games that are developed exclusively for people who write code. These games are not as popular, but they not only let you improve your coding skills and also can be fun.

Desperate to present the best games that each programmer, from the amateur to the professional, should play, we have searched the Internet till we found them. Get ready for some mind-blowing ideas, and value changes thrown right at you!

## Shenzhen I/O

![Image by FreePik](img/couple-using-augmented-reality-smartphones_23-2148767243.jpg "Image by FreePik")

Image by FreePik\
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Shenzhen I/O transports you to a bustling city in China, where you'll take on the role of an engineer tasked with designing and troubleshooting various electronic systems. Rather than relying on high-level programming languages, the game challenges you to work with the low-level assembly language, a fundamental skill for hardware engineers and embedded systems developers.

One of the unique aspects of Shenzhen I/O is its focus on the interplay between hardware and software. As you build your circuits and write the corresponding code, you'll need to consider the physical constraints and limitations of the components you're working with. This holistic approach to problem-solving can be incredibly valuable for programmers who want to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying hardware that their software runs on.

While the game's scope may be narrower than some other titles on this list, Shenzhen I/O offers a highly immersive and rewarding experience for those with a strong interest in the engineering side of software development. The challenge lies in optimizing your solutions, troubleshooting issues, and striving to achieve the best possible outcomes within the given constraints.

## TIS-100

Like the Shenzhen I/O, TIS-100 is a game of programming which leads a lone life just like how a programmer’s life is. It has the same advantages and disadvantages as Shenzhen I/O but it cheaper, at least, 50% costs of Shenzhen I/O.

While playing Shenzhen I/O the player is taken into the middle of a big modern city, TIS-100, on the other hand, takes the player into a post-apocalyptic, cyberpunk environment with a hint of 80’s nostalgia. You are to implement a set of nodes connected and control a number of them having n-number of instructions and processing abilities to defect problems and crawl through the mystery of this mysterious world.  

Essentially, TIS-100 is best applied for the one who has prior extensive experience in assembly level programming and wants to expand his or her knowledge of parallel computing and distributed world. The focus of the game on trying to maximize code, minimize memory usage, and manage communication between nodes proves to be a great exercise or even more for anyone, who deals with the programming of the embedded systems or high-performance computing.

 Despite the potential difficulties observed in the gameplay, it is very satisfying to decode all game puzzles and to create efficient, creative, and accurate solutions. TIS-100 stands as a strong testimony of what can be achieved in the realm of art of programming where aesthetics and logic are used in synergy to achieve great and beautiful goals.

## Edabit

Edabit is a collection of standard programming challenges, ranging from beginner to advanced levels. You will be getting experience points as you solve these tasks, and at the same time, you will be introduced to new concepts or even get to compete with other users. The best part? At Edabit, you can solve problems in almost any programming language, have an opportunity to use a code editor, read clear descriptions of tasks, and find solutions.

Edabit is a great relief since it gives a relatively fun approach to the practice since you’re dealing with an abundant choice of coding problems right away. If you are at times stuck on a particular syntax or the more general attempt at finding challenges to develop your problem-solving skills then you will not be disappointed with Edabit.

However, it is flexible and provides users with a really massive number of problems to solve. The platform values are different from Quanti’s approach that supports one favorite language, at the Brook’s platform, users can learn and work in JavaScript, Python, Java, and other languages up to Rust and Elixir. This diversity helps the programmers of different bearings to find something that they can work on to suit them.

Still, Edabit is not just a site that contains numerous problems; it is a very active community. Each time you will be solving a problem, you will be able to see how other people solved it, analyze how their solution is better or worse than yours and compete with them in friendly rivalry. This collaborative aspect can be very helpful and very effective in creating a team atmosphere, as well as motivating you to learn all.

## Silent Teacher

Welcome to the world of active learning with Silent Teacher game that needs no sign up and no SMS codes – just the perfect answers! This game is ideal for anyone who types at least a line of code because the person will improve their problem-solving skills. However, the experts or the experienced developers may consider them rather basic.

In Silent Teacher you do not get any instructions on how to play it, all you can do is to sit in front of your screen, and code something, immediately. The game has a set of coding issues and the player’s objective is to give the right answer at the right time. This is especially a plus for players who would rather get down to business and apply themselves to solving problems with a less metaphorical and more visually stimulating style.  

The button alternatives, which Silent Teacher employs, have a great advantage of being informative yet easy to understand at the same time. This is a game that does not necessitate downloading or the creation of an account or other such formalities as do some games in this list. The big advantage of it is that no installation is needed, and as soon as you are on the website you are ready to start coding. It actually has a very low threshold to get into, therefore, it would be a perfect option for the programmers who wish to get a few rounds of practice in between tasks or during their working breaks.

Although Silent Teacher does not contain the gamification depth and rich possibilities of the other games listed, it is an excellent tool for developing coding skills and increasing your competence. The fact that some of these questions are fired at a considerably fast pace may just be valuable because it can make you find out how to apply your mind faster, work on your syntax knowledge and generally, find out how best to solve problems.

## else Heart.Break()

In this game, code has the power to reshape the world. Think about a realistic city of the future with cyberpunk aesthetics during the gameplay, citizens and objects exist in reality and the cyber space. In else Heart. As an independent expansion to Break(), you will play as the programmer who accidentally gains to control the fundamental aspects of the surrounding world with coding as the primary interactor’s activity.

The second level of complexity builds up while unraveling plot: the characters of the game are numerous and each of them has their own experience and hardships. With your programming skills you will be able to gain information that others can’t, break into various secured systems and modify the structures existing in the city to help you in your quest.

What sets else Heart. Break() apart is its focus on the creativity of coding. Although the original game is solving the problem or continuously optimizing an algorithm, the game forces you to think beyond the possibilities of programming. You will be able to play the game and fiddle with the code and source more through the game and gain new paths and experiences.

## Elevator Saga

![Image by FreePik](img/new-app-development-desktop_23-2148684987.jpg "Image by FreePik")

Image by FreePik

Elevator Saga relates to a set of fascinating and rather simple tasks that can be solved without learning any programming language. The goal is to establish the machine’s capability to interpret incoming data, forecast the traffic patterns, and then build the procedural sequences required to regulate the movement of the elevator. On the syntactic level it is quite obvious, yet the game engages you in the analysis part.

Suppose that you are managing a crowded business-like tall building, a vital component to order and traffic pattern around the building is the elevators. Elevator Saga places you in the shoes of the control system engineer of a building where you are expected to design the best algorithms to help control the movement of the elevatories and make the passengers’ experience as smooth as possible.

The game puts you against a scenario for which you have to solve different problems within the given constraints. Whether it’s regulating the flow of passengers during the rush hour, incoming flights, or extra luggage for specific passengers, you will need to use critical thinking and data analysis to come up with reasonable and logical solutions for efficient operation of the infrastructure and at the same time solve a common fairy-tale-like problem with extra attention to the passengers.  

As with most games created in the dynamic visual programming environment of Scratch, no actual coding is needed to complete Elevator Saga; however, it is a fantastic way to flex one’s algorithmic muscles. It presents you with the cases that require sophisticated analysis, where you need to figure out the main factors and then create simple and efficient algorithms. Amalgamated, these are critical skills for a programmer whether as a novice or an expert since they provide the ground work in software programming.

Furthermore, Elevator Saga fosters game design that makes an appeal to solving a particular problem full of experiments and with using trial and error. While running your algorithms and analyzing its results you will also be able to tweak the algorithm and thus enhance your analyzing and deciding capacities.

## Conclusion

From simulations to logic-based challenges, these games provide a fresh and captivating way for programmers to expand their skills, sharpen their problem-solving abilities, and have fun in the process.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into these hidden gems and discover a new dimension to your programming journey. Whether you're a seasoned developer or a budding coder, these games have something to offer for everyone. Prepare to be inspired, challenged, and captivated as you explore the thrilling world of programming through the lens of interactive entertainment.


Discover a more engaging way to improve your skills - through games! 

Code & Play: 10 Underrated Games That Challenge Your Code

Discover a more engaging way to improve your skills - through games!  

## Introduction

Freelancing can be regarded as one of the promising trends in the contemporary workplace. The main reasons are flexibility, independence, and the search for a passion, so more and more, freelance work is becoming popular. However, such an approach is not that easy, and going through the life of a freelancer seems to be quite challenging and needs some strategic thinking.

## The Allure of Freelancing

![Image by FreePik](img/happy-freelancer-with-computer-home-young-man-sitting-armchair-using-laptop-chatting-online-smiling-vector-illustration-distance-work-online-learning-freelance_74855-8401.jpg "Image by FreePik")

Image by FreePik\
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With the freedom of choice in terms of the type and length of projects to undertake, and an opportunity to balance work and other aspects of life, people fall for freelancing. Based on the available information, freedom is cited as one of the main reasons people choose to freelance. The ability to create your schedule, work from home or anywhere in the world, and work only on the projects you are interested in can be very liberating. Also, a flexible working schedule is appreciated more when a person values his or her independence and does not want to be limited by a 9 to 5 job.

## Challenges of the Freelance Lifestyle

Of course, freelancing cannot be denied its numerous advantages, but it is equally important to mention the possible problems of such an activity. Dealing with the unpredictable nature of available projects, bargaining for proper wages, as well as organizational aspects related to independently owned businesses may prove to be quite challenging for inexperienced freelancers.

Maintaining some form of financial stability can sometimes be very hectic for freelance workers due to unpredictable cash flow as a result of irregular projects or payments. Strong and positive working relationships with the clients, the absence of too much dependence on one particular client, and firm financial management strategies can help overcome periods of drought.

Another typical concern frequently attributed to freelancers is the relative vulnerability due to the freelancer’s work being completed in solitude. The absence of a usual working space that would formerly have team members interact face-to-face results in loneliness and a lack of support. To counter this challenge, one should strategically develop a network of other freelancers, participate in online platforms, and schedule one’s social contacts regularly.

## Mastering the Art of Freelancing

As has been suggested earlier, freelancing is rather capacious and all-encompassing, so we must become as flexible as possible to succeed in it. Among the suggested recommendations the issue of work-life balance is identified as one of the crucial. Independently paid employees, who are most likely to ply their trade from the comfort of their homes, can intertwine their work-related activities with their ones effortlessly. Measures such as fixation on a specific working regime, timely breaks, and having a separate room for work will reduce the rate of freelancers getting burnt out.

Another important domain of strengths relates to the time management of the self-employed. As such, nurturing the skills of time management, ability to set out priorities, and doing away with the unnecessary interferences can go a long way in improving on productive time and duration for freelancers. Thus, applications such as Pomodoro timers and task management tools can prove to be great assets in this process.

 It is also essential for freelancers to establish themselves professionally as well as create their social network. Networking with other freelancers, paid membership to associations, attending events online or physically, or being an active member of the various platforms created for freelancers are among the ways that people can break the barriers and become productive members of society thus improving their lives as well as those of others.

## Conclusion

Remote working, together with the growing tolerance of distributed organizations, has made freelancing even more desirable. Currently, freelancers receive opportunities to work with clients from all around the globe increasing the number of available contracts and additional income.

Further, due to the increasing demand for skilled and qualified personnel in every field, there has been a rapid rise of freelancing jobs. By identifying and then developing areas of specialization, the freelancer can be able to market him/herself as an indispensable commodity that fetches good rates for him/her and consequently has a longer contract period at his/her disposal.

Hence, the lifestyle of a freelancer is rich in its difficulty and value. Thus, it is possible to state that by accepting freedom, developing the required competencies, and finding the way through the challenges with the strategic approach, one can reveal the great opportunities of the chosen profession. No matter whether you have been a freelancer for a certain number of years or are just planning to get in this sphere, it’s crucial to understand that the main ideas that will help you to succeed in the constantly changing environment are flexibility, creativity, and, in the last turn, work-life balance.

Freelance Diaries: The Ups, Downs, and Hidden Traps

Freelance Revolution: Freedom or Chaos? 

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