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Interview Question Database

Skill Specific

Skill specific questions are asked to determine if you have the knowledge and skills to sufficiently perform the required job. When answering skill specific questions, demonstrate that you are capable and the best fit for the job.

Problem Solving

QUESTION INTENT

An employer may ask you problem-solving questions to determine your:

  • Responsiveness to work place problems and challenges.
  • Ability to assess problems and devise workable solutions.
  • Willingness to learn from mistakes.

This is a a key skill set that employers seek because the ability to tackle challenges, make and follow through on decisions, and ensure maximum productivity are all necessary for workplace success.

TIPS FOR RESPONDING TO PROBLEM SOLVING Q'S
  • Provide examples of situations in which you were faced with challenges and the steps you took to solve them.
  • Describe what you have learned and how you have grown as a result of the challenges you have faced.
  • Use the STAR strategy (Situation, Task, Action, and Response).

How do you correct a mistake?

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Demonstrating your ability to admit to mistakes, take responsibility for them and act to address them accordingly is very important for employers. Errors do occur in work environments. An employer wants to ensure that you will manage them appropriately.

Answer Tips

Answer Tips

Provide your strategy on identifying a mistake, taking responsibility, determining appropriate action, reporting to colleagues (or supervisors), and following up. Offer to provide an example of a mistake that you made and your response. Do not take the approach that you don't make mistakes, as an employer will not be impressed, in fact they will be concerned that you either are not aware of errors that you may make and/or would not accept responsibility and bring the error to their attention.

Give me a specific example of a time when you used good judgement, logic and creativity in solving a problem.

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This question intends to understand how you generated new and creative ideas or solutions to problems.

Answer Tips

Answer Tips

Use the STAR technique - Situation, Action, Task, Result. Pick some examples that demonstrate your creativity and problem solving skills in an professional environment. 

Describe a situation where you've used your initiative to solve a problem.

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This type of question allows the interviewer to find out your problem solving as well as analytical skills.

Answer Tips

Answer Tips

This is a gilt-edged opportunity to impress the interviewer. You should certainly prepare an answer to this question prior to the interview. Describe a problem that the interviewer can relate to and demonstrate how you were able to solve the problem.

Describe a specific problem you solved for your employer or professor.
How did you approach the problem?
What role did others play?
What was the outcome?

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Answer Tips

How would you respond to a complaint from a customer/client?

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Answer Tips

Answer Tips

tips tips tps

What difficult decisions have you made? How do you go about solving a problem?

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An employer may ask you a problem solving question to determine your: response to work place problems and challenges ability to assess problems and devise workable solutions willingness to learn from mistakes Effective problem solving is a key skill set that employers seek. The ability to tackle challenges, make and follow through on decisions (both independently and as part of a team), and ensure maximum productivity are all necessary components for work place success.

Answer Tips

Answer Tips

Provide examples of situations in which you were faced with challenges and the steps you took to solve them.

How do you resolve conflict? What specific strategies have you used to be successful?

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The interviewer wants to get an idea of how you manage conflict and get a gauge of your general interpersonal skills.

Answer Tips

Answer Tips

It is important to think of an example answer before an interview. Use the STAR technique - Situation, Action, Task, Result. Choose a time where you had conflict at work. Speak of the key actions that you took and focus how they resolved the disagreement in a professional and productive way. By preparing before the interview, you can rehearse appearing insincere or passive aggressive. 

What steps do you follow to study a problem before making a decision?

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Answer Tips

What is the most difficult challenge you've faced? How did you resolve it?

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You can anticipate being asked this type of question in almost any interview and therefore have the advantage of preparing in advance. Reflect on your experiences and select an example that would be related to the industry and one that shows your level of skill in challenging situations.

Answer Tips

Answer Tips

 Use the STAR approach
. Explain the critical elements of the challenge (what, where, when, who) to provide context for the employer
. Avoid going into too much detail or placing blame/pointing the finger at others.
. Define why it was challenging for you in particular
. Describe how you managed the situation at the time, the steps that you took
. Share the outcome or result
. Add your reflections, how would you feel in a similar situation now or what you would do differently (this shows your ability to learn, adapt, and change as an employee).