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

At McKinsey, I learned the structured approach to problem-solving: define the problem, structure and prioritize using an issue tree (following the MECE method), plan analyses, conduct thorough analyses (including data gathering), synthesize findings, and develop recommendations. While typically a 3-month project involving a team, this process must be demonstrated succinctly in interviews. Be collaborative with your interviewer, testing each step as you go.

El STAR es algo complejo, pero sencillo de implementar. Póngalo en practica. Pruébelo. Una y otra vez. Hasta que se vuelva casi inconsciente, pero, incorporado a nuevos hábitos de trabajo.

To me the STAR approach made sense in different application Situationskomik and helpdesk to proceed in the recruiting process. Honestly time within an interview is short so the Interviewer wants to see and feel you can relate to the asked skills and proof during the interview that you should be the new incumbment. At this point to showcase the STAR method works seamlessly well.

My expertise is in driving business improvement, innovation and transformation programmes. Dare I say, it is all about problem-solving! I can't speak for the rest of the world, but you can ask for a 'reasonable adjustment' in Australia before an interview. I do not like 'behavioural-based' interview questions and will request 'scenario-based' questions wherever possible. Doing so lets you showcase your problem-solving skills on a real-life problem your potential new employer is likely experiencing. If you have a similar experience to their problem, you can use the STAR method for your example.

Adapting to circumstances is a quality that you work on over time as you go through this exercise over and over again. This exercise, which is always done because of the need of the situation, provides that great capacity to adapt to change that is highly valued.

Survival of the fittest !. Its a mantra that is applicable to for individuals in an organization also. Though I have to add in a company it's not only about survival but the target is also to grow. And being adaptable to situations is one of the biggest asset that an individual can possess. It is a dynamic world and individuals should not be rigid while solving new age problems. A,solution which was valid earlier may no longer hold good in the ever changing world.

Share examples where you had to quickly adjust to unexpected changes or new demands in a project or role. Describe how you navigated these situations by reassessing your strategies, adopting new technologies, or shifting project goals in response to evolving circumstances. Highlight how your ability to remain flexible contributed to successful outcomes despite the hurdles. This demonstrates to interviewers that you not only solve problems efficiently but can also thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments, showing resilience and a proactive approach to challenges.

Discuss a scenario where you worked closely with others to overcome a complex challenge. Detail your role in facilitating team discussions, fostering an inclusive environment that encouraged diverse ideas, and how you collectively developed a solution. Emphasize your ability to listen and integrate feedback, negotiate differing viewpoints, and drive the team towards a consensus. This approach not only shows your problem-solving skills but also underscores your capacity to lead and work effectively within a team, qualities highly valued in any professional setting.

Leadership is at its best when it harnesses the power of teamwork to tackle complex problems. My experience has shown that a collaborative approach, involving cross-functional teams and diverse viewpoints, leads to innovative solutions. It’s not just about directing, it’s about engaging with each team member to leverage our collective strengths. Nobody is perfect, but a team can be!

Innovation isn’t just a buzzword, it’s our roadmap to success. I’ve seen firsthand how thinking differently turns challenges into opportunities. Creativity in problem-solving means not shying away from the unconventional. It’s about pioneering solutions that redefine the status quo. Creativity in problem-solving means not shying away from the unconventional. It’s about pioneering solutions that redefine the status quo.

Indeed, embracing and learning from failures is a testament to robust problem-solving skills and self-awareness. Reflecting openly on situations that didn’t go as planned, and sharing the lessons learned, not only highlights your ability to adapt and improve but also enhances your credibility as a leader. This approach encourages a learning culture where challenges are seen as opportunities to grow and refine strategies, essential for both personal and organizational development.

You should candidly discuss a specific instance where things did not go as planned, emphasizing how you identified and analyzed the issue. Highlight your thought process in navigating the problem, the steps you took to address it, and the lessons you learned. This not only demonstrates your ability to deal effectively with challenges but also shows your capacity for growth and resilience. Employers value candidates who are not only adept at solving problems but are also willing to learn from their mistakes and apply this knowledge to future situations.

Problem-solving couldn't be relevant or effective without asking and extracting the right issue-related insights. Hence, cultivating a logical yet flexible framework for issue resolution is a super skill to develop so that it's possible to apply in business-related discussions and job interviews I always encourage having your own approach, but it's critical to build yours after understanding and practicing the most common techniques. These techniques could be: 1. Root cause analysis 2. ODCA cycle (Plan, do, check, act) 3. The five whys. Using the "Why" question to drill down to the root cause of a problem 4. Design thinking 5. Agile problem solving All techniques have some benefits and limitations, being efficient in using each is ideal.

True engagement stems from curiosity and your intrinsic motivation. Asking the right questions in an interview reflects a candidate’s foresight and strategic acumen. An insightful question in an interview is not just about how you are fitting into a role, it’s about envisioning how you can propel the company forward with your unique capabilities.

During the interview, ask the interviewer to describe a problem they are currently facing, which the role you are applying for would be accountable to solve. Then solve it during the interview. That will impress the hell out of them.