| One of the most common job interview questions is, | | | | Here's another interview question that is very similar... |
| "What is the toughest problem you've had to face, and | | | | "Describe a situation where you used your own |
| how did you overcome it?" Here's how to give a | | | | initiative to solve a problem." |
| winning answer. | | | | It's unlikely that you'll be asked both, but have two |
| First, realize that this popular interview question | | | | different problem-solving examples ready just in case, |
| provides you with an excellent opportunity to shine. | | | | with one emphasizing initiative. |
| Everyone wants to hire people who are good at | | | | Sample Answer: |
| solving problems. Think of a good example concerning | | | | "I once received a last-minute request from the |
| a problem that faced your company and not just you | | | | General Manager to prepare a letter to residents of a |
| personally. The bigger the problem, the better. | | | | neighborhood that was undergoing emergency sewer |
| Give specific examples of the skills and techniques | | | | repairs by our agency. My boss was on vacation, but |
| you used to resolve this problem. Emphasize the | | | | she had asked that I attend an off-site meeting that |
| successful results. | | | | same afternoon. There was no way I would be able |
| Be generous in sharing credit if it was a team effort, | | | | to get the letter done and also attend the meeting. I |
| but be sure to highlight your specific role. | | | | decided, of course, that the General Manager's request |
| Sample Answer: | | | | took priority. But the off-site meeting was on a very |
| "When I assumed the role of Chief Dog Groomer at | | | | important topic and I knew my boss was relying on me |
| Mutts R Us, team morale was low, sales were | | | | to attend. So I immediately called the chairperson of |
| lackluster and customers were dissatisfied. I | | | | that meeting and made arrangements to participate |
| immediately took action to identify the specific | | | | via speakerphone. By eliminating the 45-minute travel |
| problems, analyze alternative solutions and pick the | | | | time, I was able to complete the GM's letter and still |
| best options, and set a timeline for implementing the | | | | participate in the off-site meeting." |
| corrective actions. I reorganized the team structure | | | | Preparing for these types of questions in advance is |
| and established written goals that focused on | | | | very important. It'll get you thinking about your specific |
| teamwork, improved customer service and increased | | | | accomplishments. Even if these particular questions |
| productivity. One specific example is that I implemented | | | | are not asked, you'll probably be able to use versions |
| a 'satisfaction guarantee' for quality and timeliness with | | | | of your prepared answers in response to other |
| each grooming service, and tied in performance-based | | | | questions. |
| rewards for employees. These actions greatly | | | | For any job interview: anticipate likely questions, |
| improved morale and increased our sales by 48% in | | | | prepare answers that are specific (and as relevant to |
| the first three months." | | | | the position as possible), and practice, practice, practice! |