How can you demonstrate your problem-solving skills during an interview?

1 Prepare examples

One of the best ways to demonstrate your problem-solving skills is to prepare some examples of how you have used them in your previous or current roles. Think of specific situations where you faced a challenge, solved a problem, or improved a process, and use the STAR method to describe them. The STAR method stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result, and it helps you structure your examples in a clear and concise way. For each example, explain the situation you were in, the task you had to accomplish, the action you took to solve the problem, and the result you achieved.

3 Ask questions

Asking questions during an interview is not only a sign of interest and curiosity, but also a way to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. By asking questions, you can show that you are able to gather relevant information, identify gaps in your knowledge, and seek feedback or guidance when needed. You can also use questions to demonstrate your understanding of the problem, the context, and the criteria for success. For example, you can ask questions like "What are the main challenges or pain points that you are facing in this area?", "What are the key factors or indicators that you use to measure the impact of this problem?", or "How do you evaluate the effectiveness of the solutions that you have implemented or tried so far?"

4 Be creative

Creativity is an essential part of problem-solving, as it allows you to generate new and innovative ideas, find alternative solutions, or adapt to changing circumstances. To demonstrate your creativity during an interview, you can use techniques like brainstorming, mind mapping, or lateral thinking to come up with different possibilities or perspectives. You can also show your creativity by sharing examples of how you have applied your skills or knowledge in novel or unexpected ways, or how you have learned from other fields or disciplines that are relevant to the problem.

5 Show confidence

Confidence is another key aspect of problem-solving, as it reflects your belief in your abilities, your willingness to take risks, and your resilience to overcome obstacles. To show confidence during an interview, you can use positive and assertive language, maintain eye contact and body posture, and avoid filler words or hesitation. You can also show confidence by acknowledging your strengths and weaknesses, accepting feedback and criticism, and expressing your enthusiasm and passion for solving problems.