Give me an example of a problem you faced on the job. Tell me how you solved it.

Describe a decision you made that wasn't popular and how you handled implementing it.

Have you ever made a mistake? How did you handle it?

What have you learned from your mistakes?

 

Give me an example of a problem you faced on the job.

Tell me how you solved it.

 

This is a problem-solving question that tests your critical thinking skills.  

This is a great question for showing that you are a creative and capable problem solver. 

The problem you select to use as an example should be as similar as possible to a problem that you are likely to face at the job you are interviewing for.  

 

LARQ Response 

 

1) LISTEN for their "pain points". 

2) Give an example of your experience where you solved something similar.  

3) Get them to agree with you that such experience would be beneficial to the company. 

 

"I try to take a systematic approach to problem solving. I take the time to gather the relevant information and clearly define the problem or goal.  

 

I think it is important to get the information and clarify the problem first before you start coming up with possible solutions or wasting other people's time.  

 

FOR EXAMPLE, when I was at Job "X" ...  

What kinds of challenges are YOU currently facing in your department?  

How tough a position does that put you in?  

What could the ideal candidate do to help solve this problem in their first couple months on the job?" 

 

"Sure, at my last job we had a problem where the situation was "X" ... the action I took was "Y" ... and the positive outcome was "Z" ... I was commended by Susan in Accounting for solving the problem and getting the project back on track. I think that's the type of experience you are looking to bring to your team ... isn't it? 

 

"You would agree that having this type of experience will help me succeed in this position, wouldn't you?"  

 

 

Describe a decision you made that wasn't popular and how you handled implementing it. 

 

Non-Sales Example:   Once, I inherited a group of employees when their supervisor relocated to another city. They had been allowed to cover each other’s shifts without management approval. I didn’t like the inconsistencies, where certain people were being given more opportunities than others. I introduced a policy where I had my assistant approve all staffing changes, to make sure that everyone who wanted extra hours and was available at certain times could be utilized.

Have you ever made a mistake? How did you handle it?

Non-Sales Example:   Once I misquoted the fees for a particular type of membership to the club where I worked. I explained my mistake to my supervisor, who appreciated my coming to him, and my honesty. He told me to offer to waive the application fee for the new member. The member joined the club despite my mistake, my supervisor was understanding, and although I felt bad that I had made a mistake, I learned to pay close attention to the details so as to give accurate information in the future.

What have you learned from your mistakes?

DISCUSSION: Show that you are able to learn from your mistakes, but don't offer up any negative examples concerning your past performance. Show that you have been successful, but that you have the maturity it takes to examine your own behaviour so that you can learn and grow and be a better employee. Be brief.

 

"Good question. Well, I have been successful at every job I have had, but I have had the normal ups and downs. I'd say that I do actively try to monitor my work habits and the quality of my work so that I can constantly be improving myself.

FOR EXAMPLE, I have had one or two hiccups with customers where their satisfaction was not where I thought it was. I learned that I have to really monitor certain difficult customers closely and "take their temperature" so I can keep their satis

faction level as high as possible. Have YOU had any customers like that here?"

 

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