A candidate's answer to this interview question will indicate the psychological qualities they admire in a person who solves problems and show what sorts of qualities they aspire to or believe themselves to have. Depending on how honestly they answer this question, it can also display some of the more unorthodox or creative ways in which they think problem-solving skills are formed. What to look for in an answer:

• Understands problem-solving skills
• Creative thinking
• Communicates ideas well

The answer to this question in a virtual or in-person interview will demonstrate part of an applicant’s previous work history and experience in stressful situations where problem-solving initiative was needed. It can also give you an idea of how forthrightly they answer a question about past work experience. What to look for in an answer:

• Previous relevant experience
• Ability to communicate learned lessons
• Effectiveness in handling stressful work

This answer to this problem-solving interview question can give you insight into how a candidate structures their thought process when faced with challenges or problems and give you some indication of the specific psychological qualities they actually display in doing so. Their answer can also demonstrate certain biases toward emotional versus procedural decision making. What to look for in an answer:

• Description of the decision making process
• Level of structured problem-solving
• Understanding of workplace context

A candidate’s ability to answer this problem-solving interview question indicates how much previous workplace experience they have with difficult decision making. It also shows how honest they are about discussing past failures in the workplace and how willing they are to ask for help. What to look for in an answer:

• Honest examination of work experience
• Previous experience with frustration
• Willingness to request help

This question is a crucial indicator of candidate honesty and their ability to react creatively in difficult situations. It also partially indicates how much previous position-relevant experience they've had. Candidates who claim to have never broken the rules at work to solve a problem may be giving a dishonest answer, or they may have a possibly dangerous aversion to flexible, non-procedural thinking. What to look for in an answer:

• Willingness to answer honestly
• Flexible problem-solving skills
• Strategic thinking

A candidate's answer to this problem-solving interview question demonstrates how much they might demand from management. An assertive answer indicates an applicant who has confidence in their value and abilities and is willing to demand a supportive environment for their work. What to look for in an answer:

• Assertive, confident answer
• High self-valuation
• Clear communicator

A candidate’s answer to this question will indicate their previous level of relevant work experience in a basic way. It also shows how well they can communicate a previous situation where they had high-responsibility tasks and resolved problems. What to look for in an answer:

• Description of problem-solving skills
• Innovative thinking
• Previous experience with complex work problems

How a candidate answers this question demonstrates their ability to give measured, thoughtful responses to unexpectedly specific questions. It’s particularly useful when framed around issues that are somewhat outside of their experience. The quality of their answer will indicate how well they can think on their feet. What to look for in an answer:

• Stays calm even with unexpected questions
• Quickly comes up with a solution to the problem
• Job-specific knowledge

A candidate’s answer to this problem-solving interview question indicates their ability to tell managers and supervisors about what they think needs to be improved. An assertive answer shows experience and confidence. It also might indicate what an employee expects from his or her superiors on the job. What to look for in an answer:

• Honest opinion
• Specific description of issues
• Confident response

An applicant’s answer to this question will indicate the level of constructive thinking and communication skills they have. It also demonstrates how well they know their position and what they believe will help them fulfill it better. What to look for in an answer:

• Clear, specific answer
• Willingness to request or demand support
• Forthright communication