Tell me about a time when you overcame a problem.

Tell me about a time when you provided unconventional solutions to a problem.

When getting ready for HR interviews, you might often hear the question, “Can you tell me about a time you solved a problem?” This question helps employers see how you handle challenges, solve problems, and learn from tough situations.

This article includes guidelines and answers for effectively framing your responses to behavioral questions such as “Tell me about a time when you came up with solutions to a problem.”

Page Highlights:

  • Why “Tell me about a time when you overcame a problem.” is asked in an interview.
  • How to respond to “Describe a time when you came up with a solution to a problem.”
  • Possible Answers: “Tell me about a time when you provided unconventional solutions to a problem.”
tell me about a when you came up with an unconventional solution to a problem

Why “Tell me about a time when you overcame a problem” is asked in an Interview.

Employers use behavioral interview questions to evaluate qualities such as listening skills, communication skills, effective problem-solving skills, and leadership skills in applicants. This is one of the most important questions asked in a behavioral interview.

Someone who has handled similar situations before can answer it by displaying all of their skills.

Top problem-solving steps:

  • Determine the problem and your objectives.
  • Think about your options.
  • Choose a solution.
  • Implement the chosen solution.
  • Examine the chosen solution.

How to respond to “Describe a time when you came up with a solution to a problem.”

To frame this answer effectively you can use the STAR method so that you can politely respond to it if the employer asks. Situation, Task, Action, and Result is the acronym for the STAR method

  • S — Situation: Give a quick overview of the background or context of the problem.
  • T — Task: Describe the specific challenge or goal you needed to handle.
  • A — Action: Explain the actions you took to address the issue.
  • R — Result: Share the outcome and what you learned from the experience.

Here’s a simple example of the STAR method:

Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Being Too Negative: Focus on how you fixed the problem, not just how hard it was.
  • Not Sharing Credit: If others helped, make sure to mention their contributions.
  • Talking Too Much: Keep your answer clear and to the point. Skip unnecessary details.
  • Not Practicing: Practice your answer ahead of time so it sounds smooth and confident.

Possible Answers “Tell me about a time when you provided unconventional solutions to a problem”.

Tell me about a time when you provided unconventional solutions to a problem.”

 Sample Answer 1:

In my previous role as a Team Leader, we had a few new employees who weren’t doing their jobs properly. They were consistently failing to meet the target by the deadline. I took the initiative to train them, and as a result, new hire productivity increased. This incident taught me to be a better listener, which improved my problem-solving skills.

Tell me about a time when you provided unconventional solutions to a problem.”

Sample Answer 2:

 

I recall in my previous company, when I was assigned tasks, I used to have a lot of doubts, which I eventually learned to overcome and resolve on my own. I was promoted to a higher role without any formal training, but I didn’t lose confidence; instead, I learned the job and excelled at it, completing all of the tasks ahead of schedule.

Related Questions

  • Have you led any team? Answer
  • Describe a time when you had to display leadership skills. Answer
  • Who is a good leader? Answer
  • What is the difference between a team leader and a team manager? Answer
  • Are you comfortable leading a team? Answer
  • What are the qualities that make you a good leader? Answer
  • In a team which member is the most important to you? Answer
  • What is conflict management? Answer
  • How will you mitigate conflicts among your teammates? Answer
  • Can you work under supervision? Answer
  • What is healthy competition in the workplace? Answer
  • What will you do if an employee does not agree with your decision? Answer
  • What do you think makes a leader successful? Answer
  • What steps have you taken to make sure your subordinates get along with each other? Answer
  • Do you get along with others? Answer
  • What do you think makes a leader unsuccessful? Answer
  • How do you lead people? Answer
  • Have you ever made a decision that your team members did not approve of? Answer
  • How do you react to the mistakes of your team members? Answer

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