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?

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?
by

1 Answer

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?
by

Related questions

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?

Description : 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?

Last Answer : In this question the interviewer is basically looking for a real life example of how you used creativity to solve a problem.

Give me a specific example of a time when you sold your supervisor or professor on an idea or concept. How did you proceed? What was the result?

Description : Give me a specific example of a time when you sold your supervisor or professor on an idea or concept. How did you proceed? What was the result?

Last Answer : What was the idea, how did you present it to your supervisor, what were the results once the idea was implemented?

Tell me about a time when you came up with an innovative solution to a challenge your company/class/organization was facing. What was the challenge? What role did others play?

Description : Tell me about a time when you came up with an innovative solution to a challenge your company/class/organization was facing. What was the challenge? What role did others play?

Last Answer : The company wants to hire someone who can come up with solutions to problems the company is facing, and can eectively implement those solutions. Give an example from the past that shows this.

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 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.

Have you ever had a conflict with a boss or professor? How was it resolved?

Description : Have you ever had a conflict with a boss or professor? How was it resolved?

Last Answer : Note that if you say no, most interviewers will keep drilling deeper to find a conflict. The key is how you behaviourally reacted to conflict and what you did to resolve it. For example: ... . . . Focus your answer on the behavioural process for resolving the conflict and working collaboratively.

Give me a specific example of a time when a co-worker or classmate criticized your work in front of others. How did you respond? How has that event shaped the way you communicate with others?

Description : Give me a specific example of a time when a co-worker or classmate criticized your work in front of others. How did you respond? How has that event shaped the way you communicate with others?

Last Answer : You want to explain how you believe constructive criticism can be helpful, but that it should be done one-on-one and not in front of others. Explain how you do things dierently than the person in your example did.

Give me a specific example of something you did that helped build enthusiasm in others.

Description : Give me a specific example of something you did that helped build enthusiasm in others.

Last Answer : If you're ever going to be a supervisor, the company wants to know that you can motivate employees. Give an example of what you've done to motivate others and build enthusiasm.

Have you ever done something that directly helped your employer either increase profits or decrease costs?

Description : Have you ever done something that directly helped your employer either increase profits or decrease costs?

Last Answer : I recently found a way to help my employer save money on office supplies. For years, they bought office supplies from the same place. It was several blocks away, so it was pretty convenient. I have found that shopping ... of saying he'll just do the job, he needs to show why he'd be great at it.

If I asked your current employer to tell us about your accomplishments, what do you think he would say?

Description : If I asked your current employer to tell us about your accomplishments, what do you think he would say?

Last Answer : He would probably talk about the time he asked me to present a new marketing campaign to one of our more difficult clients. I spent over a week preparing for that presentation. Since I knew this ... breaks one of the cardinal rules of job interviewing - to never speak negatively about a former boss.

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.

This organization is very dierent to your current employer, how do you think you are going to fit in?

Description : This organization is very dierent to your current employer, how do you think you are going to fit in?

Last Answer : Explain what makes you a great fit. If the company culture is more to your liking, or if the industry is more appealing, then explain those things. Give some examples of how you adapt to dierent situations.

Tell me about a special contribution you have made to your employer?

Description : Tell me about a special contribution you have made to your employer?

Last Answer : Before an employer makes his/her decision to hire you, they will need to know how you have performed in the past and any other special contributions that you can bring to the company "In my ... answers, instead focus you answers on the actions you took and the positive results that you obtained.

May I contact your present employer for a reference?

Description : May I contact your present employer for a reference?

Last Answer : TRAPS: If you're trying to keep your job search private, this is the last thing you want. But if you don't cooperate, won't you seem as if you're trying to hide something? BEST ANSWER: Express your ... time is right, then by all means you should contact them. I'm very proud of my record there.  

Describe a situation when you were able to have a positive influence on the actions of others.

Description : Describe a situation when you were able to have a positive influence on the actions of others.

Last Answer : This question is designed to see whether you can motivate others and help achieve a positive attitude. Explain how you motivate others and what you do to determine what motivates them.

Describe a situation in which you had to arrive at a compromise or guide others to a compromise.

Description : Describe a situation in which you had to arrive at a compromise or guide others to a compromise.

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.

Describe a situation where others you were working with on a project disagreed with your ideas. What did you do?

Description : Describe a situation where others you were working with on a project disagreed with your ideas. What did you do?

Last Answer : This question is designed to see if you can stand by your ideas when they are good and also to see whether you can recognize when someone else's ideas are better. Give an example of each if possible.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

When you ask for a letter of recommendation, how long do you need to give the employer or professor?

Description : When you ask for a letter of recommendation, how long do you need to give the employer or professor?

Last Answer : Usually two weeks.

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)?

How will you approach learning this "new" job?

Description : How will you approach learning this "new" job?

Last Answer : Interview peers and leaders/managers, read industry news, practice the skill sets needed, absorb information on the job as much as possible.

Can you describe the biggest problem that is right at the top of your pay grade that you have solved?

Description : Can you describe the biggest problem that is right at the top of your pay grade that you have solved?

Last Answer : I work on technical problems that have not been solved before. I cannot be an expert in all fields so I call in other experts to cover areas that I cannot.

How do you think others rate you as a supervisor?

Description : How do you think others rate you as a supervisor?

Last Answer : Turnover in my department since I was promoted to supervisor five years ago has decreased from 30 percent to 10 percent. The reason, I believe, is that I treat those who work under me fairly. When a big ... and they do what I tell them to do. There's more to being a good supervisor than this.

Do others think of you as a leader?

Description : Do others think of you as a leader?

Last Answer : I believe those who have seen me in action are confident in my ability to lead them. Whenever we had to work in committees in my marketing class, my fellow committee members always chose me to be ... example. Never Say: I lead and others follow. Confidence is good, but cockiness is not.

Some people consider themselves to be "big picture people" and others are detail oriented. Which are you? Give an example that illustrates your preference.

Description : Some people consider themselves to be "big picture people" and others are detail oriented. Which are you? Give an example that illustrates your preference.

Last Answer : It is important to show that you are both. You want to show that you are detail oriented and can get the individual tasks done while focusing on the big picture.

How do you keep others informed on work issues?

Description : How do you keep others informed on work issues?

Last Answer : Possible methods: Talking to them, emailing them, sharing best practices in meetings

How do you inspire others to be better?

Description : How do you inspire others to be better?

Last Answer : First, the key to inspiring others it to first understand what their goals and objectives are. Once you understand what people want, you can inspire them with a vision that aligns to what they care ... , you can inspire them through 1:1 pep talks, a presentation to multiple people and so forth.

Do you have the ability to articulate a vision and to get others involved to carry it out?

Description : Do you have the ability to articulate a vision and to get others involved to carry it out?

Last Answer : If yes, then share an example of how you've done so at work or college. If not, then discuss how you would do so. Example: "I would first understand the goals of the sta members and then I ... on a date and time to ensure follow through on the tasks. Lastly, we would review the results together."

Tell me about a time when you helped resolve a dispute between others.

Description : Tell me about a time when you helped resolve a dispute between others.

Last Answer : Pick a specific incident. Concentrate on your problem solving technique and not the dispute you settled, end on a positive note.

Tell me about a time when you helped resolve a dispute between others.

Description : Tell me about a time when you helped resolve a dispute between others.

Last Answer : Tell me about a time when you helped resolve a dispute between others. Answer tips Pick a specific incident. Concentrate on your problem solving technique and not the dispute you settled.

What was the most complex assignment you have had? What was your role?

Description : What was the most complex assignment you have had? What was your role?

Last Answer : In this example, you want to give an example where you were either the leader or the facilitator (project manager).

In a supervisory or group leader role, have you ever had to discipline or counsel an employee or group member? What was the nature of the discipline? What steps did you take? How did that make you feel? How did you prepare yourself?

Description : In a supervisory or group leader role, have you ever had to discipline or counsel an employee or group member? What was the nature of the discipline? What steps did you take? How did that make you feel? How did you prepare yourself?

Last Answer : If you haven't been a supervisor, think of a situation in which you were a group leader for a school project. Don't give names.

What role are you ready to take in a group?

Description : What role are you ready to take in a group?

Last Answer : Ideally, you want to take on the role you're interviewing for, but you want to be flexible with your responsibilities if there are any changes.

What role do you see technology playing in this role?

Description : What role do you see technology playing in this role?

Last Answer : Technology is important to almost every job today but it's not meant to be abused. I believe it's important to increase productivity and not for personal use.

What are your thoughts on social media for this role?

Description : What are your thoughts on social media for this role?

Last Answer : Without a doubt, social media is becoming more and more pervasive in our jobs. You should stress that social media is not appropriate for personal use at work. However, if the company embraces social media in ... want to discuss how you could use it for work (as long as it applies to your role).

How has school prepared you for this job role?

Description : How has school prepared you for this job role?

Last Answer : Think back to how you've interacted with your peers to develop social skills, how you've worked with classmates on projects to develop teamwork and collaborative skills, how you've developed ... how the classes you've taken have impacted your analytical / problem solving / reasoning skills.

Who are your role models? Why?

Description : Who are your role models? Why?

Last Answer : If possible, cite role models you're truly passionate about - passion is contagious and will show you're being genuine. If the role model is in the same or similar industry as the company in an executive level position, even better.

What part of your current role do you find challenging

Description : What part of your current role do you find challenging

Last Answer : Discuss your learning curve so far, how you have gained added skills, e.g dealing with clients, organisation skills, team working skills, time management skills, delegating to a team, co- ... have prepared one or two points which you can effectively back up with examples and case scenarios.

What do you know about our company, what interests you about this role?

Description : What do you know about our company, what interests you about this role?

Last Answer : In such a competitive market, it is extremely important that you have your research done on the company you are meeting. Find out where they have been and where they are going. Relay the fact that you ... , new products/services they are launching etc.. Also tie in again why the role appeals to you.

What do you see as the proper role/mission of… …a good (job title you’re seeking); …a good manager; …an executive in serving the community; …a leading company in our industry; etc.

Description : What do you see as the proper role/mission of… …a good (job title you’re seeking); …a good manager; …an executive in serving the community; …a leading company in our industry; etc.

Last Answer : TRAPS: These and other proper role questions are designed to test your understanding of your place in the bigger picture of your department, company, community and profession .as well as the proper role each ... done to identify the culture of the firm, the more on-target your answer will be.    

Why are you leaving your current role?

Description : Why are you leaving your current role?

Last Answer : Bad answer: I can't stand my boss, or the work I'm doing.   Again, stay away from badmouthing your job or employer. Focus on the positive.   Good answer: I've learned a lot from my ... my horizons and to gain a new skill-set - all of which, I see the potential for in this job.  

Give me a specific occasion in which you conformed to a policy with which you did not agree.

Description : Give me a specific occasion in which you conformed to a policy with which you did not agree.

Last Answer : When giving an example of a policy, be careful not to mention a policy that the new company would also have. Explain why you didn't agree with the policy (actual reasoning), and why you conformed. Did you tell anyone that you didn't agree, or did you simply conform from the beginning?

What specific steps do you utilize in solving workplace problems?

Description : What specific steps do you utilize in solving workplace problems?

Last Answer : Analyze the problem. Discuss possible remedies and resulting outcomes. Decide on the remedy and track results. Re-visit problem if it's not resolved.

Give me a specific example of a time when you had to conform to a policy with which you did not agree.

Description : Give me a specific example of a time when you had to conform to a policy with which you did not agree.

Last Answer : You want to first understand why the policy was put into eect. From there, if you truly disagree with it, explain your position to your management. If they don't change it, then you must accept their decision and continue to work or the alternative decision would be to find a new job.

Which of the following statements reflect nursing interventions of a patient with post-polio syndrome? a) Providing care aimed at slowing the loss of strength and maintaining the physical, psychological and social well being of the patient. No specific medical or surgical treatment is available for this syndrome and therefore nursing plays a pivotal role in the team approach to assisting patients and families in dealing with the symptoms of progressive loss of muscle strength and significant fatigue. Nursing interventions are aimed at slowing the loss of strength and maintaining the physical, psychological and social well being of the patient.

Description : Which of the following statements reflect nursing interventions of a patient with post-polio syndrome? a) Providing care aimed at slowing the loss of strength and maintaining the physical, ... and cold are most appropriate because these patients tend to have strong reactions to medications.

Last Answer : a) Providing care aimed at slowing the loss of strength and maintaining the physical, psychological and social well being of the patient. No specific medical or surgical treatment is available for ... loss of strength and maintaining the physical, psychological and social well being of the patient.