subject: Example Of One Of The Toughest Job Interview Questions You Will Face [print this page] Before we begin with the question don't forget your fantastic free e-book download using the link at the end. Using example discuss a recent incident at your job that you had to deal with and take decisive action? The key to a successful outcome to these types of job interview questions is being prepared with a reply that you have thought about prior to the interview.
Although the question revolves around a problem this is an example of a question that allows you to shine. It allows you to demonstrate your creative problem solving skills, how you analyzed the problem and how you reached a successful conclusion. Firstly do not fall into the trap of suggesting the problem was of your own making. Oh no, it was caused by someone else and you had been given the responsibility of fixing the mess! The interviewer will also be looking to see how this situation could be assimilated with the current role you are applying for.
As we said before have an example ready. The replies that most impress the job interviewer are those that carry clear examples to add credence to the reply. They can then visualize the situation as it unfolds.
If you struggle with examples then think about using the STAR formula. This is under the headings Situation, Task, Action, Result. Firstly what was the actual situation you faced. Presumably you had a problem, then describe it. This could be a lack of available staff, a closing tight deadline, perhaps a lazy member of staff, insufficient transport for your goods or alternatively increased competition from a competitor affecting your sales.
So whatever is the problem you need to then decide the task. This isn't just a question of saying just fix it! The lack of staff might mean you need to recruit more staff immediately, or increase their productivity to compensate for lack of staff. The lack of suitable transport may mean you need to procure new transport or find more innovative ways of transporting your goods. Describe the action you took to resolve this. Make the explanation clear and detailed. Ideally it will demonstrate an element of creative innovative thinking. If you had a lack of transport, just replying so we paid to hire another truck is too obvious and simplistic and will not sound terribly impressive.
If you said you set up a reciprocal arrangement with another firm to share transport at peak load times, saving both firms time and money, then this is innovative and could lead to further collaboration. We are getting ahead of ourselves here. The result was reduced costs, savings of time and in the long run a closer collaboration between rival firms for a mutually beneficial arrangement.
See how this is an impressive answer with an action and a result to be proud of. Also this type of an answer is something most other candidates will not know how to articulate properly unless they have done the necessary preparation beforehand. The more of these types of answers you have the more confidence you will have entering the interview. You are prepared for anything!
