Tell me about a problem that you’ve solved in a unique or unusual way. What was the outcome? Were you happy or satisfied with it?

Tell me about a problem that you’ve solved in a unique or unusual way. What was the outcome? Were you happy or satisfied with it?
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In this question the interviewer is basically looking for a real life example of how you used creativity to solve a problem.
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Related questions

Describe a specific problem you solved for your employer or professor. How did you approach the problem? What role did others play? What was the outcome?

Description : Describe a specific problem you solved for your employer or professor. How did you approach the problem? What role did others play? What was the outcome?

Last Answer : Describe the problem, what the process was for coming up with solutions, and how you came to the best solution. What were the results?

Tell me about a time when you had to make a decision without all the information you needed. How did you handle it? Why? Were you happy with the outcome?

Description : Tell me about a time when you had to make a decision without all the information you needed. How did you handle it? Why? Were you happy with the outcome?

Last Answer : In many scenarios, you will not have all the information needed. The key is to make the best possible decision based on what you deem to be a sucient amount of information.

Recall a time when you were assigned what you considered to be a complex project. Specifically, what steps did you take to prepare for and finish the project? Were you happy with the outcome? What one step would you have done dierently if given the chance?

Description : Recall a time when you were assigned what you considered to be a complex project. Specifically, what steps did you take to prepare for and finish the project? Were you happy with the outcome? What one step would you have done dierently if given the chance?

Last Answer : This question is designed to see that you are good at project management, that you can set goals, and see the big picture while focuses on the smaller tasks. Give an example and go through your thinking process and how you set goals for each task, resulting in the end project.

What are ideas or initiatives you've led and what was the outcome?

Description : What are ideas or initiatives you've led and what was the outcome?

Last Answer : Describe your most unique ideas and initiatives that had the best results for the company. Make sure you highlight your creativity, your results, your diligence and your ability to execute.

Tell of the most difficult customer service experience that you have ever had to handle -- perhaps an angry or irate customer. Be specific and tell what you did and what the outcome was.

Description : Tell of the most difficult customer service experience that you have ever had to handle -- perhaps an angry or irate customer. Be specific and tell what you did and what the outcome was.

Last Answer : This question is designed to see how you handle conflict and to see whether you can move beyond it. Explain what you do in such a situation and how you stayed level-headed.

Describe some times when you were not very satisfied or pleased with your performance. What did you do about it?

Description : Describe some times when you were not very satisfied or pleased with your performance. What did you do about it?

Last Answer : This question is designed to see whether you can accurately evaluate your own performance and learn from your mistakes. Focus on your learning experiences from bad performance.

When were you most satisfied in your job?

Description : When were you most satisfied in your job?

Last Answer : If you want to show your ambition, you can discuss how you haven't reached all of your goals yet and in that sense aren't satisfied. However, if you want to discuss satisfaction from your job discuss an experience in which you achieved something.

When were you most satisfied in your job?

Description : When were you most satisfied in your job?

Last Answer : Basically this is asking what motivates you. Certainly your motivations should align with what is on offer in the current role.

When were you most satisfied in your job?

Description : When were you most satisfied in your job?

Last Answer : Bad answer: "I was most satisfied when I did well, and got praised for my work.   Don't give vague answers. Instead, think about something you did well - and enjoyed -that will be ... is that I know I'd have even more interaction with customers, on an even more critical level." 

When have you been most satisfied in your career?

Description : When have you been most satisfied in your career?

Last Answer : This question is designed to see what makes you happy and what motivates you. Explain why the particular example made you feel satisfied.

Give an example of when you took a risk to achieve a goal. What was the outcome?

Description : Give an example of when you took a risk to achieve a goal. What was the outcome?

Last Answer : Taking a risk is good, as long as it doesn't put the company at risk of lawsuits or losing a lot of money. Give an example where risk paid o.

Describe a time when you got co-workers or classmates who dislike each other to work together. How did you accomplish this? What was the outcome?

Description : Describe a time when you got co-workers or classmates who dislike each other to work together. How did you accomplish this? What was the outcome?

Last Answer : This question is designed to see how well you can mediate a situation and handle conflict. You want to come across as someone who can compromise when necessary.

What was the biggest professional risk you have taken and what was the outcome?

Description : What was the biggest professional risk you have taken and what was the outcome?

Last Answer : First discuss how you weighed the pros and cons of the risk and the results you'd believe you could achieve. Then discuss the action plan you put into place for it and outline that step by step. Then discuss the outcome and if it wasn't optimal talk about what you would do dierently in hindsight.

It seems like you’ve accomplished a lot. I know everyone fails, at least occasionally. Tell me about something you failed at.

Description : It seems like you’ve accomplished a lot. I know everyone fails, at least occasionally. Tell me about something you failed at.

Last Answer : When I was a freshman in college, I decided to run for president of the management club. My opponent was in his junior year. I came up with what I thought and still think was a great ... must give a more detailed answer. This one leaves the interviewer to wonder why the applicant lost the election.

Tell me about a professional assignment you've handled.

Description : Tell me about a professional assignment you've handled.

Last Answer : Give an example of an assignment you've done, what the assignment was, how you did it, and what the results were.

Tell me about a dicult decision you've made in the last year.

Description : Tell me about a dicult decision you've made in the last year.

Last Answer : We all have dicult decisions in our lives. Show how you were able to arrive at it and then how you decisively acted.

Tell me about any issues you've had with a previous boss?

Description : Tell me about any issues you've had with a previous boss?

Last Answer : Arrgh! If you fall for this one you shouldn't be hired anyway. The interviewer is testing you to see if you'll speak badly about your previous supervisor. Simply answer this question with extreme tact, diplomacy and if necessary, a big fat loss of memory. In short, you've never had any issues.

Tell me something negative you’ve heard about our company…

Description : Tell me something negative you’ve heard about our company… 

Last Answer : TRAPS: This is a common fishing expedition to see what the industry grapevine may be saying about the company. But it's also a trap because as an outsider, you never want to be the bearer of ... ANSWER: Just remember the rule - never be negative - and you'll handle this one just fine.   

Tell me about the most boring job you’ve ever had.

Description : Tell me about the most boring job you’ve ever had. 

Last Answer : TRAPS: You give a very memorable description of a very boring job. Result? You become associated with this boring job in the interviewer's mind. BEST ANSWER: You have never allowed yourself to ... 's probably because you're not challenging yourself to tackle those problems right under your nose.  

Tell me about a time when you were held accountable for a problem that you hadn't caused.

Description : Tell me about a time when you were held accountable for a problem that you hadn't caused.

Last Answer : If someone puts the blame on you (incorrectly), the best thing you can do is NOT to retaliate. You want to make it known that you were not to blame (explain all the facts) and then focus on fixing the problem in the best way possible.

Tell about the most dicult or frustrating individual that you've ever had to work with, and how you managed to work with that person.

Description : Tell about the most dicult or frustrating individual that you've ever had to work with, and how you managed to work with that person.

Last Answer : This question is designed to see how you handle conflict and to see whether you can move beyond it. Explain how you were able to work with the dicult individual, and were able to mediate the situation.

Tell me about a problem you had with a supervisor

Description : Tell me about a problem you had with a supervisor

Last Answer : Biggest trap of all. This is a test to see if you will speak ill of your boss. If you fall for it and tell about a problem with a former boss, you may well blow the interview right there. Stay positive and develop a poor memory about any trouble with a supervisor.

Tell me about a problem you had with a supervisor?

Description : Tell me about a problem you had with a supervisor?

Last Answer : Tell me about a problem you had with a supervisor? Answer tip Biggest trap of all. This is a test to see if you will speak ill of your boss. If you fall for it and tell about a ... and always consulted his boss rather than going to him with an idea or being helpful in reaching towards a solution.

Have you ever been asked to take on a project because of your unique skill or ability?

Description : Have you ever been asked to take on a project because of your unique skill or ability?

Last Answer : Our senior developer regularly asks me to troubleshoot new programs. I've been very successful at figuring out why programs aren't working properly, and I can usually do it pretty quickly, allowing the ... to plan the party. This skill probably won't be very important to the prospective employer.

Shown in the figure is a solved puzzle with a unique solution (the red line) from an old newspaper. Over the course of time, a few printed lines from the puzzle have faded. Identify the original puzzle from the options.

Description : Shown in the figure is a solved puzzle with a unique solution (the red line) from an old newspaper. Over the course of time, a few printed lines from the puzzle have faded. Identify the original puzzle from the options.  

Last Answer : B

Tell me how you were of value to your previous employer.

Description : Tell me how you were of value to your previous employer.

Last Answer : My previous employer valued my ability to deal with difficult clients. Whenever we had a client who was very demanding, my boss would ask me to be the one to work with her. He said he knew I was so ... up on time. Showing up on time is expected and doesn't set this candidate apart from any other.

Your resume shows that you were with your last company for a number of years with limited increase in rank or salary. What can you tell me about this?

Description : Your resume shows that you were with your last company for a number of years with limited increase in rank or salary. What can you tell me about this?

Last Answer : Don't say anything bad about the company. Did you like your job and you didn't want to move up? Did your company have a tight budget and rarely gave increases to anyone? Was your rank level a broad range so that you really did move within it, but on paper it isn't as noticeable?

Tell me about a time when you failed to meet a deadline. What things did you fail to do? What were the repercussions? What did you learn?

Description : Tell me about a time when you failed to meet a deadline. What things did you fail to do? What were the repercussions? What did you learn?

Last Answer : This example should be a time in which a more important priority came up and you had to focus on that, instead of the other deadline you had. Don't give an example of a time when you were bad at managing your time and missed the deadline.

Tell me about a time when you were forced to make an unpopular decision.

Description : Tell me about a time when you were forced to make an unpopular decision.

Last Answer : Not every decision is popular. In fact, almost every decision is bound to make someone unhappy at some point. The key is to demonstrate how it impacted others positively and why you chose it.

Tell me about a time when you were asked to complete a task but didn’t have the information you needed. What did you do?

Description : Tell me about a time when you were asked to complete a task but didn’t have the information you needed. What did you do?

Last Answer : SITUATION  When I started my summer internship at XYZ Online Marketing, I quickly realized that it was a small organization which meant that I was left to my own devices. I had to figure things out on my ... data I could access, I was able to call him back to give him the information he wanted.

What one thing do you think you’ve done very well on your last job?

Description : What one thing do you think you’ve done very well on your last job?

Last Answer : I think I was very successful in all aspects of my last job. I'm particularly proud of my work with new hires. I developed programs that helped integrate them into the company and this in turn helped our ... . If not, it appears that you can't think of anything you did well at your last job.

Why do you think you’ve been successful in your career so far?

Description : Why do you think you’ve been successful in your career so far?

Last Answer : I've been successful so far because I've always worked very hard and I've always been willing to accept any challenges that are offered to me. Actually, I usually seek them out. I have excellent time- ... to think he had anything to do with his own success. If he doesn't believe it, who will?

Give two examples of things you've done in previous jobs or school that demonstrate your willingness to work hard.

Description : Give two examples of things you've done in previous jobs or school that demonstrate your willingness to work hard.

Last Answer : It would be good to have an example from school and from work. Explain what you did and why you wanted to work hard, and how you managed your time.

What is the biggest mistake you've made?

Description : What is the biggest mistake you've made?

Last Answer : Focus on your learning experiences from your mistake.

Describe a time when you've been overwhelmed with work.

Description : Describe a time when you've been overwhelmed with work.

Last Answer : Show how you were able to over the "overwhelmed" feeling - by delegating tasks, getting people on your team to help you out, or by prioritizing your work and focusing on the most important issues first.

What are the goals you've set for yourself?

Description : What are the goals you've set for yourself?

Last Answer : You could discuss your goals with regards to these categories: Career goals, impact you want to leave on society, financial goals, academic goals, charitable goals.

What's the least rewarding work you've ever done and why?

Description : What's the least rewarding work you've ever done and why?

Last Answer : Describe work you've done that you feel doesn't take advantage of your full potential. For example, "I once had to make paper copies for my job and I feel it didn't take full advantage of my skills. ... me to be humble in my work and to appreciate a good opportunity when it arose to use my skills"

What's the most rewarding work you've ever done and why?

Description : What's the most rewarding work you've ever done and why?

Last Answer : Companies love it when you discuss how you've made an impact on your teammates, clients, or partners in the business or in school. It should be rewarding because of the hard work and creative process that you've put into it.

Describe a time where you've failed and bounced back.

Description : Describe a time where you've failed and bounced back.

Last Answer : Share a story to describe this. For example: "I accidentally made the mistake of telling a customer I could deliver on a solution set on a certain date and then later found out our business ... this and that I should always check with my counterparts first before committing to a statement of work."

What is the most important lesson / skill you've learned from school?

Description : What is the most important lesson / skill you've learned from school?

Last Answer : Think of lessons learned in extra curricular activities, in clubs, in classes that had a profound impact on your personal development. For example, I had to lead a team of 5 people on a ... to get people with drastically dierent personalities to work together as a team to achieve our objective.

What was the toughest challenge you’ve ever faced?

Description : What was the toughest challenge you’ve ever faced?

Last Answer : TRAPS: Being unprepared or citing an example from so early in your life that it doesn't score many points for you at this stage of your career. BEST ANSWER: This is an easy ... in demand, such as leadership, initiative, managerial skill, persuasiveness, courage, persistence, intelligence, etc.   

You’ve been with your firm a long time. Won’t it be hard switching to a new company?

Description : You’ve been with your firm a long time. Won’t it be hard switching to a new company? 

Last Answer : TRAPS: Your interviewer is worried that this old dog will find it hard to learn new tricks. BEST ANSWER: To overcome this objection, you must point to the many ways you have grown and ... you should be quite comfortable working there, since their needs and your skills make a perfect match.   

Give me an example of a technical problem you had to solve. How did you implement the solution?

Description : Give me an example of a technical problem you had to solve. How did you implement the solution?

Last Answer : First identify the problem, discuss it in detail, and then discuss your technical solution.

Give me a specific example of a time when you used good judgment and logic in solving a problem.

Description : Give me a specific example of a time when you used good judgment and logic in solving a problem.

Last Answer : Explain the situation, what your line of thinking was, how you arrived at your solution, and what the end result was. How did others react to your solution (manager, coworkers)?

Anyone have an unusual or unique first name?

Description : Anyone have an unusual or unique first name?

Last Answer : Cimarron, right?

Care to list 10 of your strange/unusual/unique obsessions/interests?

Description : Care to list 10 of your strange/unusual/unique obsessions/interests?

Last Answer : answer:Well, I don't have 10. But I have a few. 1.) Right now, I suddenly have an odd fascination with origami (this is due to a murder mystery video game I've been playing in which the serial ... furniture. 4.) I'm an avid video gamer when I'm not writing stories about abusing slave women :-/

Do you have any unique hobbies (interests), that other may find odd or unusual?

Description : Do you have any unique hobbies (interests), that other may find odd or unusual?

Last Answer : Geocaching

Which one of the following statements best describes a project? a. A project is a set of tools and techniques often used when delivering organisational change. b. A project is the sum of activities needed to remove uncertainty from a unique piece of work. c. A unique transient endeavor undertaken to achieve a desired outcome. d. A project is a method of planning work.

Description : Which one of the following statements best describes a project? a. A project is a set of tools and techniques often used when delivering organisational change. b. A project is the sum of activities ... endeavor undertaken to achieve a desired outcome. d. A project is a method of planning work.

Last Answer : c. A unique transient endeavor undertaken to achieve a desired outcome.

Which one of the following statements best describes a project? a. A project is a set of tools and techniques often used when delivering organisational change. b. A project is the sum of activities needed to remove uncertainty from a unique piece of work. c. A unique transient endeavour undertaken to achieve a desired outcome. d. A project is a method of planning work.

Description : Which one of the following statements best describes a project?  a. A project is a set of tools and techniques often used when delivering organisational change.  b. A project is the sum of ... endeavour undertaken to achieve a desired outcome.  d. A project is a method of planning work.

Last Answer : c. A unique transient endeavour undertaken to achieve a desired outcome.

Which of the following statements is correct regarding the internal rate of return (IRR) method? A. Each project has a unique internal rate of return. B. As long as you are not dealing with mutually exclusive projects, capital rationing, or unusual projects having multiple sign changes in the cash-flow stream, the internal rate of return method can be used with reasonable confidence. C. The internal rate of return does not consider the time value of money. D. The internal rate of return is rarely used by firms today because of the ease at which net present value is calculated

Description : Which of the following statements is correct regarding the internal rate of return (IRR) method? A. Each project has a unique internal rate of return. B. As long as you are not dealing with ... of return is rarely used by firms today because of the ease at which net present value is calculated

Last Answer : D. The internal rate of return is rarely used by firms today because of the ease at which net present value is calculated.