An interview is a good chance to evaluate how candidates approach unmanageable situations and by asking problem-solving questions you can separate those that are results orientated from those that crumble under pressure. Asking the correctly sorts of questions will besides reveal a person ‘s suitability for the role and company they are trying to enter. That being said, this can be hard to assess when you first meet person, so here are 10 problem-solving competence questions to solve your trouble of what to ask :
Problem-solving interview question examples
Question 1: Describe a situation where you had to solve a problem. What did you do? what was the result? What might you have done differently?
This motion tests their problem-solving ability. As an employer, you want to hire people that get things done and when faced with a problem actively solve it. There are three steps to solving a problem :
- Identify
- Analyse
- Implement
A good answer should show that the applicant took the enterprise, didn ’ t act thoughtlessly and was volition to ask questions and work as a team. Ideally their actions were in that order. 
Question 2: Give an example of a situation in which you saw an opportunity in a potential problem. What did you do? What was the outcome?
This question tests if they see opportunities in problems. Every clientele has problems, both minor and major, and you should be able to trust your employees to identify and solve them. Problems are opportunities for improvement, both for an individual and a company as a whole. basically you are looking for an answer that recognises this. Whether they solved a problem single-handed or flagged the issue to a lake superior, you are looking for applicants who played a cardinal function in arriving at a solution.
Question 3: What steps do you take before making a decision on how to solve a problem, and why?
This question tests how they problem resolve before making a decision. A hard answer showcases that the candidate is considered in their decision-making and has a formal process of think, alternatively of becoming submerge and acting headlong. You should be looking for those that have a formalize process that makes sense, and that shows that they don ’ triiodothyronine just ask for help the entire meter. 
Question 4: Give an example of a time that you realised a colleague had made a mistake. How did you deal with this? What was the outcome?
This question tests their interpersonal skills. The best type of employees have great interpersonal skills and aid others to succeed. Therefore, a commodity answer should show the candidate was diplomatic and constructive – person that helps their colleagues to solve problems and doesn ’ metric ton just highlight them. Anyone that proceeds to say distasteful things about previous co-workers should be treated with caution – respect and forgivingness are core attributes in the workplace. This question tests their problem-solving strategies. An impressive answer will showcase awareness of problem-solving strategies, although these may differ from person to person.
You don ’ thyroxine want to hire person that is constantly asking for serve and knowing that a candidate has given some think to electric potential strategies will provide you with assurance. Problem-solving strategies could vary from data-driven or legitimate methods to collaboration or deputation.
Question 6: Describe the biggest work-related problem you have faced. How did you deal with it?
This question tests how they tackle boastfully problems. It reveals three things about a campaigner : 1. What they are volition to share about a former employer. 2. What they consider to be a large trouble. 3. How they problem clear. You want a campaigner to be allow when discussing their current ( or former role ) and be positive. Of course what constitutes a big trouble is relative, but you should be leery of candidates that sound like they might become overwhelmed by tension or blow things out of symmetry.
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Question 7: Tell me about a time where you have been caught off-guard by a problem that you had not foreseen? What happened?
This motion tests how they deal with pressure. even the most careful minds can crash into an unanticipated iceberg, but it is how they deal with it that matters. This question should be a find for you to catch a glimpse of a candidate ’ south character and personality. ideally, you want an answer that shows the take after :
- Calmness – They don’t overreact
- Positivity – They don’t complain or blame others
- Solutions – They use problem-solving skills
Question 8: Describe a time where you developed a different problem-solving approach. What steps did you follow?
This doubt tests their creative problem-solving skills and inaugural. If your company was arrant you wouldn ’ deoxythymidine monophosphate be hiring. person that takes inaugural and thinks outside of the box can help your business advancement and stay ahead of the contest. creative inaugural is a definite bonus as you don ’ t want an office filled with like-minded people, after all, it ’ s the modern ideas that change the earth.
Read more: Top 3 question that ask in interview in 2022
Question 9: Tell me about a time when you became aware of a potential problem and resolved it before it became an issue.
This question tests their ability to identify problems and solve them. Having foresight is significant quality and it ’ second much more than wearing glasses. Foresight is about identifying issues before they actually become issues. Being able to see into the future and red-flagging a problem, is something that you should not lone value, but covet – being thoughtful helps avoid calamity.
Question 10: Describe a personal weakness that you had to overcome to improve your performance at work? How did you do it?
This doubt test their self-awareness and commitment. self-awareness is crucial to growth and becoming a better employee. A good answer is one that shows a candidates willingness to improve, whether that be learning newly skills or honing their talents. This is a hard problem-solving interview motion so a successful reception is a testament to their ability.
