How to show off problem solving skills in an interview

There is sure to be a question or two focused on evaluating your problem-solving skills in a competitive job interview. The best way to handle these types of questions is to combine sound analytical skills with creative thinking. 

This article addresses why employers are focused on your problem-solving skills, how to identify problem-solving questions, and how to answer them in your next interview.

Problem-solving questions

These types of questions typically focus on the organization’s core competencies and how a potential employee will fit in with the culture of the business. Deloitte conducted a study and found that a total of 89% of the “best-in-class organizations” used problem-solving questions based on core competencies.

By focusing on potential employees’ analytical and creative thinking skills, employers can identify how recruits navigate through difficulties in the workplace. Employers rely heavily on employees who can solve problems on their own without depending on others. 

To effectively answer a problem-solving question, employers are looking for people who can see the overall goal and mission of the organization while also dealing with the more minor details needed to accomplish the task at hand. 

A study published in the International Journal of Education discovered that students with higher secondary education possessed higher problem-solving abilities. This correlation indicates that continuing education may be a great route if you’re looking to prove your problem-solving skills.

Identifying problem-solving questions

The easiest way to identify these questions is to evaluate whether the question is scenario-based. Scenario-based questions are the most common form of problem-solving questions that usually focus on your past knowledge and experiences. 

By using past successes and failures, employers want to know how you handled a similar situation in the past, how you manage problems that may occur in the future, and how you navigate the problem from start to finish. 

Focused on past events

By evaluating how you handled previous situations in the workplace, hiring managers can decide how you’re likely to address similar problems in the future. A question that is formed to elicit information on a past experience may be formed like:

• Tell us about a time when you…

The hypothetical question

A second kind of problem-solving question is the hypothetical. Obviously, a new job in a  new company means you’re not going to be familiar with everything. So, employers use problem-solving questions to learn how you’d deal with unexpected or unknown situations in the workplace. 

In this case, they wouldn’t ask you about something that’s already happened to you. Instead, they’ll ask you to walk them through a hypothetical  scenario and explain how you’d deal with potential issues that arise — including ones they won’t necessarily ask about outright.

An example of this type of question is: “Tell me the steps you would take to make a great impression with a client during a meeting.”

The process question

The third type of problem-solving question revolves around your overall knowledge and skills related to unknowns. For example, they may ask you to describe a particular process or difficulty within an organization that you may not be familiar with

An example of this type of question is: “Give an example of a time you noticed a coworker made a mistake. How did you deal with that situation and how would you deal with it in the future in our organization?”

By asking difficult questions, hiring managers evaluate how you would move forward and what resources you may have available to work through an unfamiliar problem.

How to show off your problem-solving skills 

By preparing for scenario-based questions ahead of time, you will be more confident in your answers when you encounter them. Think about past difficult situations you encountered in the workplace and develop a framework with how you addressed the incident. 

When you are presented with one of these questions, choose a strong example that will fully demonstrate your ability to overcome difficult situations. Your answer should include what you did before you address the problem, how you managed the difficulty, and how you followed up afterward to ensure the same problem did not happen again. 

When you answer, provide specific details and avoid generalities. Particular examples offer better insight into your thought processes which is why you should have these scenarios in your head before your interview.

Tailor your answer to be relevant to the new position. If you’re changing careers, the current hiring manager may not have the technical knowledge to understand prior career jargon. Tailor your answers to the new job and how your past experiences will enable you to succeed in the recruiter’s organization.

Look at the interview differently

Rather than going into the interview with a defensive approach, look at this as an opportunity to showcase your past experiences and successes. By changing your belief that this is an opportunity rather than a painful experience, you can frame your answers to display your best features.

A study by ArtsEdSearch evaluated fifth graders and if problem-solving skills could be taught or were innate. While the results were mixed, it was apparent that prior preparation may significantly impact several areas of overall problem-solving processes.

Preparing ahead of time by thinking of several past situations you encountered will help you confidently answer scenario-based questions by drawing on your experiences.