A candidate with good analytical skills would answer this question in a way that shows they're willing to take risks if they believe the end result is worth it. This shows that the candidate is flexible when working towards solutions. What to look for in an answer:

• Demonstration of steps taken to reach past goal

• Clear example of problem-solving skills

• An ability to remain flexible when results don't meet expectations

The way a candidate answers this question can provide insight into how they'd react to possible criticism and how they'd work toward solutions in the event of conflict. Someone with good analytical skills would take their supervisor's points into consideration and be willing to compromise. What to look for in an answer:

• Good communication skills

• An ability to remain calm and diplomatic under pressure

• A willingness to consider both sides of a disagreement

This question is essential for positions in which multiple projects with strict deadlines are commonplace. A good candidate should be able to provide examples of their multitasking process in past jobs and explain how their prioritizing methods gained positive results. What to look for in an answer:

• Demonstration of strong multitasking skills

• Comfortable delegating tasks to others

• Strong leadership skills

While the ability to create and follow specific procedures is a beneficial trait, it's also important to be flexible in certain situations. How a candidate answers this question is a helpful way to determine how they may develop certain processes and also think outside the box when necessary. What to look for in an answer:

• Critical thinking skills

• Ability to demonstrate creative thinking skills

• A willingness to consider alternative solutions when necessary

The way a potential hire answers this question can provide insight on how quickly they can assess when something isn't working and what their approach is to changing direction. If a candidate can't provide a specific example of past work, you can also ask how they'd hypothetically approach this situation. What to look for in an answer:

• Flexibility and openness to change

• Demonstration of time management skills

• A desire to do what's best for the company

If potential candidates are interviewing for supervisory positions, this question is essential in determining how they prioritize tasks at the start of each workday. The goal of this question is to ensure an interviewee possesses the ability to efficiently and realistically manage their team members' time. What to look for in an answer:

• Comfortable with being in charge

• Positive leadership skills

• Good communication skills

How a potential candidate answers this question can give employers a good idea of how they'd handle a situation in which the desired results weren't achieved, regardless of careful analyzing and planning. The steps taken moving forward to achieve a different result can help you gauge their problem-solving skills. What to look for in an answer:

• An understanding that mistakes can happen

• An ability to apply problem-solving skills in various situations

• A willingness to start from scratch when necessary to reach desired solutions

Asking this question during an interview is a good way to learn more about a potential candidate's ability to solve problems efficiently. Employers rely on employees to utilize logical thinking and troubleshoot and solve problems as they arise, so this skill is highly essential. What to look for in an answer:

• An ability to demonstrate strong problem-solving skills

• Examples of steps taken to reach desired results

• Sense of accomplishment in finding the correct solution

This question helps employers gain insight into how applicants may handle uncomfortable situations. The way an employee uses analytical skills to approach situations that may garner a negative response can indicate that they strive to focus on the information at hand and avoid bringing emotions into the equation. What to look for in an answer:

• An ability to stay focused

• Desire to remain unbiased

• Good communication skills

This question helps employers gain a better understanding of the steps a potential hire would take to ensure productivity remains consistent. How a candidate answers this question shows how they might conduct research and analyze their findings to come up with helpful and solid solutions. What to look for in an answer:

• Demonstration of strong research skills

• Strong desire to do what's best for the company

• Organizational skills