Problem-Solving Interview Questions That Might Throw You Off

Problem-solving interview questions help you showcase your ability to approach real-life scenarios. Here are some examples and tips on how to answer.

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A normal working environment requires more than your qualifications, recruiters need to know how you as a potential hire can solve day-to-day problems and approach difficult situations. During your interview, do not be caught off-guard when asked how you can handle a given situation.

Problem-solving interview questions will show the recruiter:

 

• Your ability to solve problems

• How do you handle stressful situations

• Your reaction when your beliefs are tested and your attitude towards change

 

Recruiters look for result-oriented candidates who have the potential to technically find the root cause of a problem and solve it. The trick is therefore in one’s ability to recognize a problem, predict a potential occurrence, and have the best possible solution. 

As you prepare to tackle problem-solving interview questions it is very important to know that they apply to all positions. Whether interviewing for a manager or front desk officer role, you need to be ready. 

 

Here are 10 problem-solving interview questions that might shake the table for you

 

1. Describe a time you are faced with a conflict of interest and how you handled it during your previous role as a Procurement Officer.

2. As human resource personnel, how best can you solve a conflict between work colleagues at work without involving senior management?

3. Give an example of a problem you identified and solved before it escalated. 

4. Give an example of a project in which you handled using the PDCA cycle. 

5. As an Auditor, how will you handle a company that offers you money so that you do not raise a non-conformity in the report?

6. There is a new client you have brought on board who has a potential of a good commission, but their reputation could damage your company’s reputation as well, how would you handle such a situation?

7. During your time at ABC Ltd as a Sales Associate, did you ever come across a rude customer, and how did you handle the situation? 

8. When do you draw a line between solving a problem as an individual and asking for help?

9. What steps do you follow when approaching a problem? 

10. What do you consider before making a decision?

The tougher the problem or situation is given, the better it is for you as a candidate. It will show off more of your skills and personality to the recruiter. 

Now that we know the different questions that could be asked, how best can you approach questions and answer them to win over the interview panel?

 

1. Explain the situation you were in.  You do not need to be a saint here. Even without recalling such a situation, borrow from those you have seen your colleagues in. Imagine yourself in the situation presented and draft a good believable picture for the panel. 

2. Outline the task that needed to be done.

3. Go in-depth about how you handled the situation and why you decided that it was the best possible solution. 

4. Highlight the results of your actions and how you learnt from them. Remember the recruiter is also looking at how permanent your solution to the problem is, and its ability to not create other problems but eliminate them or reduce their impact.

For example:

“What steps do you follow when solving problems?”

Answer: “I always start by assessing the exact problem, the cause, and what my end result should be. It is important for me to always gain clarity on the problem and know my expectations beforehand. Then I will weigh my available options before narrowing down to a given action plan. My final action plan is always aimed at ensuring the problem is solved and will not happen again while introducing a newly defined approach to how to handle it. This saves time and increases work efficiency.” 

In this answer,  the candidate has taken the recruiter through each step of their problem-solving process It is also easy to know that the candidate is result and action-oriented. There is also evidence of analytical thinking which will definitely increase their chances as a potential hire. 

 

How are problem solving-skills assessed in the interview?

Recruiters will best assess the candidate’s ability to solve problems depending on how the candidate approaches the situation. Are they showing confidence in dealing with the problem or they are avoiding it? 

The recruiter will also look out for how the situation is handled, and whether is there a clear step-by-step approach that the candidate uses to solve the problem from its root cause. As a candidate, this is an opportune time to showcase your creativity by employing innovative solutions to problems that will show your potential value added to the company. 

It is also important that your answers display your willingness to work with a team to solve problems. 

 

What you should avoid as you approach problem-solving questions

 

1. Having no answer: This will raise a red flag to the recruiter when you say you do not have an answer to the question asked. It is an automatic disqualification from the potential candidate list. 

2. Generic answers: For example, when asked how you approached a disgruntled customer, your reply was, “I calmed them down.” This limits the recruiter from evaluating your personality. Be more elaborate in your answers.

3. Focusing on the problem and not the solution: Do not spend time on the problem but be solution-oriented with your answers. 

4. Pushing the problem for later: This will show your level of procrastination. Do not be tempted to tell the recruiter that you will put the problem on hold or find a temporary solution for it. 

Here is what to take home- If all other things fail this year, at least you’ll be able to ace your next interview with these tips and get your dream job.