10 Problem-Solving Interview Questions: [With Sample Answers]

Whether you’re applying for an accountant or social worker position, problem-solving skills are paramount.

For this reason, several employers are exclusively asking problem-solving interview questions. They allow interviewers to assess their candidate’s soft skill qualification and if it matches the company’s standard.

It also demonstrates your reactions to mistakes and failures and your willingness to learn from them.

10 Common Problem-Solving Interview Questions

• Discuss a time when you had to solve a problem independently.
• Were you previously able to predict problems and solve them before they escalated?
• What goes in your mind first when you solve a problem?
• Discuss a scenario where you couldn’t meet a deadline. What did you do?
• What makes you an ideal problem solver?
• What do you do in situations where you can’t seem to find a solution?
• How do you know when to ask for help when solving a problem?
• What was the most stressful problem you had to deal with at work?
• What mistakes did you previously make when solving an issue?
• How do you cooperate with a disagreeing co-worker?

Besides problem-solving, you can also check out our critical thinking interview questions. They’ll give you more insight into nailing an analytical position.

You can read through our attention-to-detail interview questions if your desired workspace values diligence and meticulousness.

What Should I Say in a Problem-Solving Interview?

In a problem-solving interview, you want to evoke confidence and remain assertive. Your composure can weigh in on your candidacy.

Plus, try to avoid seeming like you memorized your answers. A scripted response often comes off as ingenuine. Maintaining authenticity in your problem-solving interview is essential to stand out.

What Skills Are Problem-Solving Interviewers Looking for in a Candidate?

Problem-solving often requires hard and soft skills gained from experience and a strong work ethic.

• Analysis and Research: One of the first steps in solving and identifying a problem is analyzing it. Solving the issue also involves a solid research background.
• Creativity: Thinking out of the box can go a long way when solving a challenging situation. Looking through different lenses can allow you to stick your head out into other industries and form connections.
• Communication: Addressing the issue to others requires efficient communication skills. Relaying the problem to relevant persons also needs you to excel in this aspect.
• Decision-Making: Deciding on a solution or course of action needs proper thought. You can decide through a pros and cons scheme or a specified evaluation process.
• Risk Management: The skill is helpful in tight situations where you need to determine which path is less risky, solving the problem or leaving it unsolved.

What Traits Are Problem-Solving Interviewers Looking to Avoid in a Candidate?

Problem-solving interviewers are watchful over telltale signs of particular traits that’ll deem you unfit for the role.

• Close-mindedness: Assuming you know everything already is one of the many pitfalls of problem-solving. You need to keep an open mind and consider different approaches and ideas.
• Unorganized: Being scatterbrained will hinder your problem-solving flow. You won’t be able to strategize a coherent plan and feel overwhelmed.
• Impulsiveness: Problem-solving’s greatest enemy is being impulsive. Taking action without research and analytical thought is like diving head first into more trouble.

Sample Problem-Solving Interview Questions and Answers

Here are the most commonly asked problem-solving interview questions, whether you need a refresher or a reference.

Discuss a time when you had to solve a problem independently.

In some work environments, managerial input could be scarce. In this case, it’s up to you to decide how to approach an issue.

Why This Question is Asked

Interviewers want to assess how you’ll react to problems with little support. It allows them to scope out your work independence and whether it’ll match the job’s work environment.

What to Focus On When Answering This Question

Focus on the skills you used to solve this problem and the strategies you implemented. By using the STAR method, discuss a situation and task. Then, your action approach and results should follow. A breakdown of the answer will give you and the interviewer an easier time.

What To Avoid When Answering This Question

Avoid giving vague answers. Try to strategize your response rather than respond with an “I had a difficult client, so I assisted them, and they were satisfied with my service.”

Example Answer

At some point in my experience as a Teacher Assistant, I had to cover for a Class Teacher. I had little support for over a couple of weeks. The issue was that students found a critical objective challenging.

In turn, I consulted online teaching resources to formulate a solid plan. I provided resources to cater to each of their learning abilities. The students grasped the objective after much practice and repetition.

Were you previously able to predict problems and solve them before they escalated?

Problem-solving doesn’t only involve mitigating issues. It also encompasses identifying them in the first place.

Why This Question is Asked

Interviewers likely want to know if you have a strategic mindset that can pinpoint problems early. Prevention saves time and money from dealing with an issue.

What to Focus On When Answering This Question

Focus on a situation that’ll align with your role’s job description. Try to be descriptive and discuss the prevention methods you used and how you formulated them.

What To Avoid When Answering This Question

Don’t answer the question with a general or cliche response, especially in technical roles. For instance, if you’re applying for a software engineer role, go into the details of how you connected the dots and found the issue before it escalated.

Example Answer

 At some point, the employee engagement rate fell behind, and the retainment rate steadily declined in my previous workplace. My manager proposed creating surveys to enhance employee engagement.

As a team leader, I researched and found the tactic is ineffective and likely wastes time and effort from the employee’s end. I recommended doing weekly check-ins instead. In turn, the method prevented a further decrease in engagement and instilled a more positive work environment.

What goes in your mind first when you solve a problem?

Your first thoughts when tackling an issue can vary from frantic and impulsive to calm and composed. Your employer wants to gauge which end of the spectrum you lie on.

Why This Question is Asked

Problem-solving interviewers ask this question to interpret your thought process. They may want to understand your initial reactions to any issue. They’ll see if it matches the position’s standards and pressures.

What to Focus On When Answering This Question

Focus on delivering a structured answer. You can take the interviewer through your troubleshooting techniques and problem-identification methods. Feel free to use a step-by-step explanation as well.

What To Avoid When Answering This Question

Avoid uncertain comments about your reaction, such as, “I didn’t know what to do.” Keep your tone confident.

Example Answer

The first step I take is identifying its causes. I go through the analytical and research process to understand the issue better to find an appropriate solution. I ask questions such as, “When did the problem start?” or “How long has it been going on?”

I also like to approach the issue from several points of view. It allows me to scope out more creative solutions.

Discuss a scenario where you couldn’t meet a deadline. What did you do?

Meeting deadlines is a prerequisite in several job descriptions. People aren’t immune to mistakes and can fall back on a tight schedule. Your potential employer wants to know how you would react in this instance.

Why This Question is Asked

Problem-solving interviewers ask this question to know how well you can take responsibility for your actions. Owning up to issues is an essential characteristic most hiring managers need. Additionally, confronting your superiors about it displays exceptional communication skills.

What to Focus On When Answering This Question

Focus on how you took adequate measures to inform your superior of the missed deadline. You can give an overview of the situation and explain why you failed to deliver the task on time.

If the issue was because of your decisions, be honest about it. Plus, you can mention how you took steps to prevent the problem from occurring again.

What To Avoid When Answering This Question

Avoid being defensive about the issue or pointing the blame at others. Don’t point fingers at your supervisor since it’ll seem unprofessional.

Example Answer

I previously interned at a marketing firm. During one of the projects, my supervisor gave me a task that prerequisites ample technical knowledge. As an entry-level employee, I wasn’t too familiar with the instructions.
The task needed about four days to complete, and I didn’t hand it in during the deadline. From this issue, I learned to take accountability for mishaps. I also learned the significance of communicating my difficulties with a supervisor.

What makes you an ideal problem solver?

Problem-solvers don’t necessarily all come with the same skill set and approaches. Some like to find logical answers, while others like to delve into a more critical thinking approach.

Why This Question is Asked

The question interprets your problem-solving approach. Interviewers want to gauge whether your methods align with the company’s needs.

What to Focus On When Answering This Question

Focus on the traits listed in the job description of the position. They can include being a strategic thinker or open-minded. You should also focus on how your skills prevent future problems. That said, provide a situation that displays you as an ideal problem solver.

What To Avoid When Answering This Question

Avoid listing too few or many characteristics that make you an effective problem-solver. Plus, don’t state your traits without backing them up.

Example Answer

I like to think of myself as a big-picture thinker. Approaching the issue from all angles makes me an ideal problem solver. I also use my research skills to back up my solutions.

In one case as a Teacher, I faced a non-native student who felt a lack of belonging. I took that opportunity to research multicultural teaching methods that cater to students of different backgrounds. In turn, I devised a plan to create a safe space for the student.

What do you do in situations where you can’t seem to find a solution?

Being stuck with no answer to a solution is a frustrating ordeal. Finding the right solution doesn’t necessarily rely on your independent work. Asking for help is always an option.

Why This Question is Asked

Interviewers likely ask this question to understand how you react to stressful situations. They want to interpret your communication style when unable to solve an issue independently.

What to Focus On When Answering This Question

For this question, your main focus is communication. Let your interviewer know you’ll try to communicate the issue to a supervisor.

Alternatively, you can focus on investing more time in researching the problem. Use this opportunity to talk about how you’ll also ask for help from your team to showcase your teamwork.

What To Avoid When Answering This Question

Avoid sounding arrogant. Don’t deny that you would not face this issue. Plus, don’t make it seem like you’d be stressed. Maintain your confidence because this situation is bound to happen, especially to newly hired employees.

Example Answer

I take this opportunity to ask for a supervisor’s assistance. If they are not available, I resort to asking for my co-worker’s help. I believe that asking for help is a strength since it prevents future issues that are avoidable.

How do you know when to ask for help when solving a problem?

The work productivity question is a helpful indicator of an employee’s judgment when solving challenging issues.

Why This Question is Asked

Problem-solving interviewers are trying to know more about your workflow during difficult situations. They want to see if you know when to ask for assistance at an appropriate time rather than seek constant guidance. In the latter’s case, you’ll come off as dependent.

What to Focus On When Answering This Question

Focus on a situation during your experience that highlights your willingness to ask for help.

What To Avoid When Answering This Question

Avoid sounding like a lost puppy. You wouldn’t want to answer with, “I relied heavily on my coworker’s support in my past role. They used to help me through most of my tasks.”

Example Answer

During my experience as a Teacher’s Assistant, I faced a roadblock when grading an assessment. I consulted the Class Teacher regarding the problem I was facing, and she gave me the necessary details.

I believe in asking for help when the resources provided don’t give answers, and my co-worker may also be unsure of a solution.

What was the most stressful problem you had to deal with at work?

Stressful problems at work can range from facing tight deadlines to disagreeing with a coworker. How you handle them tells a lot about your work personality.

Why This Question is Asked

Problem-solving interviewers want to assess your response to stressful situations. That way, they can know how you’d react to difficulties within the position.

What to Focus On When Answering This Question

Don’t just discuss the problem. Go into how you handled it as well. Break up your answer into four parts.

First, mention the issue, then discuss how it affected your workflow. Next, talk about how you handled it and the results.

What To Avoid When Answering This Question

Avoid blaming other previous co-workers or managers for placing you in that stressful situation. Try to mention stressful situations that you successfully handled exclusively.

Example Answer

In my experience, I faced a task with a tight deadline. Rather than stress over it, I broke it up into finer pieces and prioritized the critical work. I was able to complete the request successfully.

What mistakes did you previously make when solving an issue?

People make mistakes, but some are more comfortable owning up to them than others. Most workplaces value a self-aware attitude that acknowledges flaws.

Why This Question is Asked

Hiring managers want to understand the issues you made to interpret your weaknesses. Plus, it allows them to know your attitude toward making mistakes.

What to Focus On When Answering This Question

Talk briefly about the mistake and what you learned from that scenario. Focus on your willingness to find methods of prevention for similar future issues.

What To Avoid When Answering This Question

Avoid dwelling too much on the issue since it’ll seem self-deprecating. Likewise, try not to boast about your perfection. Everyone makes mistakes.

Don’t mention mistakes that poorly reflect your personality. For instance, don’t talk about a time you fought with a coworker.

Example Answer

While working in sales, I attempted to land a deal with a client. They ended up not cooperating due to a lack of enticing visuals. From the case, I learned to do more research on the client’s background and requirements. That way, I can efficiently cater to their wants.

How do you cooperate with a disagreeing co-worker?

Disagreements in the workplace aren’t an uncommon occurrence. Worldwide, employees spend an average of two hours per week resolving workplace disagreements.

Why This Question is Asked

What better way to use your problem-solving skills than on a disagreeing co-worker? Interviewers ask this question to dive into your work habits and instincts. They want to know if the latter aligns with the position.

What to Focus On When Answering This Question

This question gives you the perfect opportunity to dissect your leadership quality. Focus on how you de-escalated the situation and found common ground.

Talk about how you communicated with the co-worker to the best of your ability to resolve the conflict. Display your interpersonal skills during this conversation.

What To Avoid When Answering This Question

Don’t mention defensive or aggressive instances when resolving a conflict with a co-worker. You also don’t want to make it seem like you dismissed the issue altogether. It’ll display a non-communicative personality.

Example Answer

In my copywriting experience, one of my colleagues didn’t like a social media caption I chose for publishing.

I kept an open mind and listened to her views. Then, I communicated to her how the text reflected the brand’s initiatives and authenticity. She believed it was too long, so we reached a compromise, and I shortened the caption while still maintaining its quality.

Other Common Interview Questions You Could Be Asked

Besides the main problem-solving questions mentioned, job seekers should also prepare for these questions.

Two Truths And a Lie

You probably heard of this game in an ice-breaking session or played it with your friends. Hiring managers also use the question in a professional job interview setting.

Why This Question is Asked

It’s a creative spin on the classic “Tell me about yourself.” The question gives a more genuine response rather than a well-rehearsed one.

What to Focus On When Answering This Question

Focus on keeping the answer relevant to the position. Be sure to pick out-of-the-box answers as well. Your lie should be reasonable, yet out of character as well. It could be like, “My parents raised me on an island.”

What To Avoid When Answering This Question

It’s a fun question, don’t give a boring answer. Keep your response short and simple as well. The more specific your truths are, the easier it’ll be to point out the lie.

Example Answer

Truths: I used to perform stand-up comedy. I’m fluent in three languages. Lie: I can play the piano.

What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?

You may remember your parents or teachers asking you this question when you were young. Now, your interviewer wants to know where your true passions lie.

Why This Question is Asked

Hiring managers may want a candid response from you since it’s not a particularly common question. They likely want to know your future ambitions and whether they reflect accurately with the role.

What to Focus On When Answering This Question

Candidates should focus on a relevant answer. It should relate to the role’s requirements. For instance, if you’re applying to be a copywriter, you can say that you want to be a marketing manager.

What To Avoid When Answering This Question

Avoid an off-topic answer. Your answers should always sell your candidacy to the interviewer.

Example Answer

When I grow up, I want to manage my team of content writers. I’m passionate about seeing other people grow and develop their writing skills. I would like to foresee that development one day.

Tell Me About a Time You Failed

Failure is part of human nature and, most importantly, success. Failures are a common proponent in problem-solving.

Why This Question is Asked

The question reveals a lot about your strengths and weaknesses. It also showcases your willingness to learn from a failed past.

What to Focus On When Answering This Question

.Focus on how you learned from that scenario rather than the mistake itself. Try to spin your answer with a happy ending. Find an issue that bore low consequences as well.

What To Avoid When Answering This Question

Avoid drawing too much attention to failure. Don’t describe the problem using “I.” Use “We” instead since a team failure is more tolerable than a personal one.

Example Answer

One of the articles had an error, and the client confronted us about the issue. We owned up to the mistake and de-escalated the problem by re-editing the product. The team gained insight into our editing process, and we corrected flaws that could breed future mishaps.

Sell Me This Pen

Don’t panic if your interviewer confronts you with this question. The task is usually geared toward sales candidates.

Why This Question is Asked

Interviewers want to see how fast you can think off the top of your head. It could tell a lot about your personality and approaches.

What to Focus On When Answering This Question

Focus on giving a creative answer that’ll stand out from other candidates. Ask questions to get a feel for their wants, then make your selling pitch.

What To Avoid When Answering This Question

Avoid refusing to answer the question. Don’t start with listing the selling properties of the pen.

Example Answer

Which color do you often choose, red, blue, or black? Are you more inclined toward function or aesthetics? This pen covers both, and we have a variety of colors you can choose.

Tell Me About a Time You Made a Mistake

Mistakes are an ideal assessment of character. If you’re not making mistakes, you’re not putting yourself out there enough.

Why This Question is Asked

Problem-solving interviewers want to know your level of self-awareness. They want to figure out your attitude toward mistakes. Are you the type to brush them off or actively learn from them?

What to Focus On When Answering This Question

Focus on a mistake that you’ve worked to fix. For instance, it can be fumbling a presentation. Subsequently, you improved your presentation skills.

What To Avoid When Answering This Question

Avoid pointing the blame at others and mistakes that aren’t mistakes, like working too much.

Example Answer

During my first few months as a marketing assistant, I needed to present a plan to my superior. I felt nervous during the presentation and made lots of errors. Since then, I’ve practiced my public speaking and improved my visuals.

Additional Tips for Problem-Solving Interviews

Check out some extra pointers to ace your problem-solving interview.

How Do You Prepare for a Problem-Solving Interview?

Prepare a set of examples and instances you can draw from when mentioning your problem-solving skills. Keep notes of the problems you’ll discuss and how you’ve dealt with them.

Be ready for follow-up questions regarding each scenario you’ve discussed. Plus, you can get referrals from previous employers vouching for your problem-solving skills.

What Should You Wear to a Problem-Solving Interview?

Always wear formal attire for interviews. For men, a dark-colored suit with a button-up is essential. Women can opt for dress pants or pencil skirts and a light-colored blouse.

Keep the jewelry to a minimum, and avoid wearing distracting, vibrant colors. Neutrals should be your go-to.

How Should You Introduce Yourself In a Problem-Solving Interview?

When meeting the receptionist, clearly state your name, the time of the interview, and the employer’s name. Greet the interviewer politely and say, “it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Don’t forget to mention your name to them as well.

What Questions Should You Ask at the End of a Problem-Solving Interview?

• Can you tell me more information about the team?
• What opportunities does the position hold in terms of learning and development?
• Can you give me an example of a significant challenge the department faced?

Frequently Asked Questions

Problem-solvers on the job search could benefit from the answers to these questions below.

Wrapping Up

Problem-solving interview questions are, more often than not, connected. Each question builds on the last. Interviewers begin by scoping the challenges you’ve faced.

Then they identify the routes you’ve taken to mitigate the issues and your reasoning for them. Finally, the hiring manager questions you on the prevention measures you take to stop the problem from reoccurring.