Highlights: You probably would never picture Bill Gates sitting across from a hiring manager, trying to explain why he should get the job. The idea almost feels silly. But in a conversation with Stephen Curry a few years ago, he imagined that situation and answered the very questions most people dread. Hearing him do it makes you stop and think, because the way he approached it is not what you would expect, and there is something in it that anyone preparing for an interview can learn from.
Crack Interviews with Confidence: Follow Bill Gates
Bill Gates does not NEED to do job interviews. But in this old YouTube chat with Steph Curry back in 2020, he sort of pretended to be a young engineer again. Kind of funny seeing him play along. He got hit with the usual dreaded questions: “Why should we hire you?” and “What are your salary expectations?” And his answers were not boring or robotic. They sounded like stuff you would want to keep in your back pocket if you are freaking out about your interview.
By showing how to tackle the questions that all candidates dread, the world's second-richest man quickly connected with graduates facing tough job interviews in an uncertain market.
The question: Why should we hire you?
“You should look at the code I have written. I write software programs that are much more than any class I have ever taken. I think I have gotten better over time, so look at how much I have put in there with ambition,” he said.
But he did not limit himself to technical skills. He added, “I think I can work well with people. I can be a little bit harsh on their code, but overall, I like being on a team. I like ambitious goals. I like to think about how to foresee the future. Software is fun, and I like to be a part of it.”
His answer reminds us that recruiters are looking for more than talent -- they want team players who can adapt, think ahead, and be passionate about their work.
Strengths, Weaknesses, Honesty
At one point, they asked about weaknesses, and Gates just straight up said he is not great at sales or marketing. Did not try to sugarcoat it. He was like, nah, I would rather focus on building the product, figuring out what it should be. And honestly… that kind of bluntness? Weirdly refreshing. It is like he knew exactly what lane he belongs in, and he was not afraid to admit what he can’t do.
Salary Expectation Strategy
Salary negotiations can be nerve-wracking, but Gates handled them with ease.
"I expect the option package to be good. I can take risks, and I think the company has a great future, so I prefer to have stock options over cash compensation. I have heard that some other companies pay a lot of money, but they treat me fairly and value the options," he said.
That answer revealed two key aspects: confidence in the company's future and his ability to negotiate effectively. By focusing on stock options, he portrayed himself as someone willing to grow with the business.
Takeaway for job seekers
Curry summed it up best! Bill Gates' mock interview answers show that you can present yourself as confident, passionate, and eager to learn.
The thing is, jobs are not just about having the right technical skills anymore. People hiring you wanna know if you can work with others, if you are honest about your flaws, and if you can talk money without crumbling. It is not just code or design or whatever: Passion Matters, Attitude Matters. You have to show that you are someone who will grow with the team, rather than just staying in your corner.
