Last updated on May 29, 2024

Here's how you can showcase your problem-solving skills during an interview.

When you step into an interview, you're not just showcasing your qualifications; you're also demonstrating your ability to tackle challenges head-on. Problem-solving skills are highly valued in the business innovation field because they indicate your capacity to navigate complex situations and emerge with effective solutions. To stand out, it's essential to prepare examples that highlight your innovative thinking and adaptability.

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1 Understand Context

Before diving into your problem-solving prowess, it's crucial to understand the context of the problem presented. Listen carefully and ask clarifying questions to ensure you fully grasp the situation. By doing so, you show your attention to detail and your commitment to finding the most appropriate solution. This approach not only impresses interviewers but also lays the groundwork for a more compelling demonstration of your skills.

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Ernesto Michelena

Sustainability/Business Operations Consultant
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Si, los entrevistadoras les interesa saber que la persona realmente quiere estar segura que comprende la pregunta para responder de la mejor manera. Cuando un entrevistado salta a conclusiones o responde de forma impulsiva da la impresion de no tener una buena habilidad de escucha y prudencia. Por lo que muchas veces responden algo que no era lo que se formulaba. Siempre es bueno hacer preguntas aclaratorias ya que incluso el entrevistador profundizara en lo que busca.

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2 Highlight Process

Your ability to break down a problem and apply a systematic approach is as important as the solution itself. Describe the steps you took to address the issue, emphasizing how you identified the core problem, brainstormed potential solutions, and selected the most viable option. Sharing this process shows that you have a thoughtful and methodical approach to problem-solving, a key asset in any business innovation role.

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Ernesto Michelena

Sustainability/Business Operations Consultant
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Muchas veces el entrevistador, preguntara como llego a la respuesta o conclusion. Esta es su oportunidad para mostrar su potencial cognitivo e intelectual. Nunca en forma de alarde si no mas bien de forma explicativa de como razona sus respuestas y la metodologia que utiliza.

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3 Show Adaptability

Innovation often requires adaptability, so it's important to illustrate how you've adjusted your strategies when faced with unexpected challenges. Share a specific instance where your initial solution didn't pan out and how you pivoted to address the issue effectively. This demonstrates your resilience and flexibility, qualities that are indispensable when navigating the unpredictable nature of business problems.

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Ernesto Michelena

Sustainability/Business Operations Consultant
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A la hora de explicar como una solucion inicial no funciono y como abordo el problema no es para saber si el problema se soluciono lo cual esta implicito eventualmente, si no mas bien explicar la capacidad de adaptabilidad y resiliencia para acoplarse a los cambios inesperados y demostrar las habilidades de agilidad para resolver problemas. Incluso aunque la solucion haya sido redireccionar el soporte al grupo adecuado.

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4 Use Examples

Concrete examples are the bedrock of a successful interview. When discussing your problem-solving skills, recount specific situations where you made a measurable impact. Whether it was streamlining a process, resolving a customer complaint, or improving a product, tangible examples provide a clear picture of your abilities and show that you can translate theory into action.

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5 Be Reflective

A critical aspect of problem-solving is the ability to reflect on what worked and what didn't. Discuss lessons learned from past experiences and how they've shaped your approach to new challenges. This self-awareness signals to employers that you're not just a problem solver but also a continuous learner who values growth and improvement.

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6 Communicate Clearly

Finally, clear communication is key when conveying your problem-solving skills. Articulate your thoughts in a structured manner, avoiding jargon and overly technical language. This ensures that interviewers, regardless of their background, can understand your approach and appreciate the value you bring to their team.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Here's how you can showcase your problem-solving skills during an interview.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand Context

2 Highlight Process

3 Show Adaptability

4 Use Examples

5 Be Reflective

6 Communicate Clearly

7 Here’s what else to consider

Business Innovation

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Here's how you can showcase your problem-solving skills during an interview.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand Context

2 Highlight Process

3 Show Adaptability

4 Use Examples

5 Be Reflective

6 Communicate Clearly

7 Here’s what else to consider

Business Innovation

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