Troubleshooting jobs Problem-solving interview questions

Problem-solving interview questions: 

Why you should ask candidates problem-solving interview questions

Employees will face challenges in their job. Before you decide on your next hire, use your interview process to evaluate how candidates approach difficult situations.

Problem-solving interview questions show how candidates:

·         Approach complex issues

·         Analyze data to understand the root of the problem

·         Perform under stressful and unexpected situations

·         React when their beliefs are challenged

Identify candidates who are results-oriented with interview questions that assess problem-solving skills. Look for analytical and spherical thinkers with the potential for technical problem solving. Potential hires who recognize a problem, or predict one could potentially occur, will stand out. Candidates should also demonstrate how they would fix the issue, and prevent it from occurring again.

These sample problem-solving interview questions apply to all positions, regardless of industry or seniority level. You can use the following questions to gauge your candidates’ way of thinking in difficult situations:

Examples of problem-solving interview questions

·         Describe a time you had to solve a problem without managerial input. How did you do it and what was the result?

·         Give an example of a time you identified and fixed a problem before it became urgent.

·         Tell me about a time you predicted a problem with a stakeholder. How did you prevent it from escalating?

·         Describe a situation where you faced serious challenges in doing your job efficiently. What were the challenges, and how did you overcome them?

·         Recall a time you successfully used crisis-management skills.

·         A new project you’re overseeing has great revenue potential, but could put the company in legal hot water. How would you handle this?

·         How do you know when to solve a problem on your own or to ask for help?

Tips to assess problem-solving skills in interviews

·         During your interviews, use hypothetical scenarios that are likely to occur on the job. It’s best to avoid unrealistic problems that aren’t relevant to your company.

·         Examine how candidates approach a problem step-by-step: from identifying and analyzing the issue to comparing alternatives and choosing the most effective solution.

·         Pay attention to candidates who provide innovative solutions. Creative minds can contribute fresh perspectives that add value to your company.

·         When problems arise, employees should show commitment and a can-do attitude. Test candidates’ problem-solving skills in past situations. If they were determined to find the best solution as soon as possible, they will be great hires.

·         Most complex situations require a team effort. Candidates’ previous experiences will show you how they collaborated with their colleagues to reach decisions and how comfortable they felt asking for help.

·         If you’re hiring for a technical role, ask questions relevant to the work your future hires will do. Technical problem-solving interview questions, like “How would you troubleshoot this X bug?” will reveal your candidates’ hard skills and their ability to effectively address problems on the job.

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