Problem Solving Questions and Answers for Interviews

The process of hiring has immensely evolved over the past few years. Apart from the technical skills or degree, employers are now looking for candidates who are equipped with impromptu skills to handle diverse situations at the workplace. In recent times, aptitude test and problem solving questions have become an integral step of the interview process. Such questions aim at gauging whether you have the abilities to tackle manifold problematic situations as well as how efficiently they ultimately can come up with the right approach to manage the task. For all those who are gearing up for interviews, in this blog we have drafted tricky problem-based questions along with tips and tricks. So let us begin! 

List of Samples Problem Solving Questions 

The problem solving questions are intended to examine candidates’ capabilities to react to a given problem by how they analyse the problem, the approach adopted to solve the problem, measuring pros and cons of the situation, etc. These questions are also called analytical skills questions and are based on a particular situation, thus, candidates require critical thinking to solve them. Here is a list of commonly asked problem solving questions- 

1. Tell us about a situation where you had to change your and at the end moment. What did you do to handle the situation? 
2. Elaborate upon an unexpected problem that you faced recently? 
3. How do you analyse the pros and cons before making a decision? 
4. As a part of your previous job, you used to record XYZ data on a regular basis. How will you use this collection for tackling an unexpected problem? 
5. According to you what is a ‘must’ and ‘must not’ while solving an end moment problem? 
6. What will be your approach if you are expected to work with a colleague who is difficult to work with? 
7. Tell us about an incident when you had to choose something over doing a good job? 
8. Tell us, how did you reach a big target in your previous role? 
9. Describe a situation when you had too many deadlines to meet on a single day and how did you handle it? 
10. Explain to us your biggest work failure. How did you manage it and what have you learnt from it? 

Problem Solving Questions with Answers 

Now that you are familiar with the general analytical questions that are a part of the interviews, let us go through some solved examples to understand how you can answer them. 

Q. Tell us about a situation where you had to change your and at the end moment. What did you do to handle the situation?
Answer: When I was working as a chef, I had to deliver a very important order on Christmas Eve. but the night before I got to know that the ingredients that we were about to use in the main course were out of stock and couldn’t be delivered. Changing the menu was not an option, so we went on to a nearby retail store on our way to the event and then quickly collected all the ingredients. In this way, I delivered the menu that was promised. 

Q. How do you analyse the pros and cons before making a decision? 
Answer: I will begin by jotting down the pros and cons. I will analyse the cons and will examine how they will be a hurdle in achieving whatever is expected to. If the cons are coming out as major drawback, my approach needs reconsideration. If not then, my approach is an effective one as the pros already outweigh the cons. 

Q. Explain to us your biggest work failure. How did you manage it and what have you learnt from it? 
Answer: As a manager, once, I had ordered to ship a defective set of pieces. This created a lot of chaos in the business and I was answerable to my seniors. Later on, a proof check system was implemented to ensure that there is no scope of such a mistake. 

Also Read: How to Ace an Online Interview?

Tips & Tricks 

There may be a possibility that you come across some other set of problem solving questions that you haven’t practised earlier, thus, it is essential to go to some tips that will assist you in drafting your own answers. 

• Always incorporate examples of situations that are relevant to the role you have been called for 
• Try to implement your personal strength to support your examples
• Go for a set of situations or examples that highlight your personality and put you in a good light 
• Wherever applicable, make sure you mention the importance of team efforts 
• In your hypothetical situations, avoid defaming your coworkers or organisation

Thus, we hope that through this blog on problem solving questions and answers, we have helped you prepare for your red-letter day. As resume is considered to be the face of your personality, our experts at Leverage Edu are here to help you design professional and top-notch resumes for your dream job. Sign in for a free meeting.