The answer to this troubleshooting interview question should demonstrate that the candidate has the confidence necessary to lay out their best qualities in the context of working for the company. They should also be able to explain how each quality is relevant to troubleshooting ability. If a candidate can’t explain what makes them a good troubleshooter, they might not be so skilled at troubleshooting itself. This question also reveals a capacity for communication skills. What to look for in an answer:

• Understanding of the skills required

• Able to confidently defend their ability

• Communication skills

This interview question establishes that the candidate can explain a challenge they’ve faced that's relevant to their troubleshooting abilities. It demonstrates confidence in their previous experience as a guide to future endeavors, and it shows they have relevant previous experience. What to look for in an answer:

• Indicator of adequate previous experience

• Confidence in the value of previous experience

• Ability to deal with difficult situations

This troubleshooting interview question reveals part of the applicant’s specific decision-making process for reacting to difficult situations and obstacles. Anyone can claim that they’re good at handling obstacles, but if they can explain how their thoughts work to solve a sudden problem, it demonstrates their troubleshooting abilities. What to look for in an answer:

• Explanation of decision-making process

• Structured problem-solving skills

• Contextual knowledge of interview position

The ability to answer this interview question shows that the candidate is honest enough to describe situations where they didn’t perform perfectly. It demonstrates that they have enough confidence in their performance and skills to admit that sometimes these aren’t enough for every possible problem. The answer can also reveal a capacity for teamwork and communication. What to look for in an answer:

• Honest self-analysis

• Confidence in general skills for the position

• Willingness to ask for help

How an applicant answers this question demonstrates their ability to state what they expect from their supervisors and the organization in terms of support. Their answer also indicates a recognition that no one employee should be expected to fix every problem and that teamwork is desirable. Employees who trust their value also know when to demand support from management. What to look for in an answer:

• Self-confidence in demanding support

• Knowledge of position limitations

• Willingness for dialogue and coordination

The answer to this question demonstrates the applicant's troubleshooting skills in an urgent setting and their ability to deal with customers effectively. By showing how they would effectively handle a possibly impatient customer, despite not having a ready solution at hand, they present a unique combination of skills, communication ability and experience. What to look for in an answer:

• Customer relations skills

• Troubleshooting under pressure

• Communication skills

The answer to this question demonstrates an applicant's troubleshooting skills and ability to confidently create solutions with potential long-term value. By giving an example, they indicate relevant previous experience and the ability to fix problems in ways that create new insights into their workflow. What to look for in an answer:

• Effective problem-solving skills

• Creative value

• Understanding of strategies for improving efficiency

The answer to this troubleshooting interview question shows that the applicant can handle difficult problems, even if caught completely off guard. This demonstrates their ability to be rapidly constructive and to avoid panic when faced with the unexpected. Candidates with calm confidence and skill in their field should have the traits necessary for handling a surging emergency. What to look for in an answer:

• Calm confidence during emergencies

• Resilience to panic

• Job-specific professionalism

The candidate’s answer to this question reveals their ability to communicate honestly and confidently with their managers based on their own experience and knowledge. If asked for their opinion regarding a crucial decision, they should be able to demonstrate the assertiveness to give a firmly weighted answer that’s as constructive as possible. What to look for in an answer:

• Industry knowledge

• Problem solving skills

• Confident communication skills

By answering this question honestly and in detail, the candidate shows that they’re willing to communicate their needs to management, which is ideal for reporting on problems that cause frequent troubleshooting and workflow bottlenecks. Answers also show how much responsibility the candidate is willing to take on and what they want from management in return. What to look for in an answer:

• Assertiveness as an employee

• Willingness to take on responsibility

• Communication of support needs