What do you do if your problem-solving skills are not effectively communicated during an interview?

1 Reflect Immediately

After an interview, take some time to reflect on what went well and what didn't. If you feel your problem-solving skills weren't properly conveyed, identify the moments where communication fell short. Was it a lack of examples, or perhaps nerves got in the way? Understanding these moments can help you prepare for future interviews. You can practice articulating your thought process more clearly or prepare a wider range of examples that demonstrate your problem-solving prowess.

2 Request Feedback

If possible, reach out to the interviewer for feedback. While not all companies provide detailed feedback, it doesn't hurt to ask. Be polite and express your desire to improve. If the interviewer does provide feedback, listen carefully to their comments, especially regarding your problem-solving skills. This insight can be invaluable for your personal development and for preparing for your next opportunity.

3 Practice Out Loud

One effective way to improve the communication of your problem-solving skills is to practice speaking about your experiences out loud. This can be done alone or with a friend acting as a mock interviewer. The key is to articulate your thought process, the steps you took to address problems, and the outcomes. Practicing out loud helps you become more fluent in describing your problem-solving approach and can boost your confidence.

4 Use STAR Method

Employ the Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) method to structure your responses in a way that highlights your problem-solving skills. Describe the situation you were in, the task at hand, the actions you took to solve the problem, and the results of your efforts. This method not only helps you give clear and concise answers but also ensures that you cover all aspects of your problem-solving experience.

5 Highlight Adaptability

Sometimes, it's not just about the problem-solving itself but how adaptable you are in new situations. Make it a point to highlight instances where you successfully adapted to unexpected challenges or changes. This shows that you're not just good at solving problems you've seen before but that you're also capable of tackling new and unforeseen issues with composure and creativity.

6 Follow Up Thoughtfully

If you've left the interview feeling like you didn't get to showcase your problem-solving skills, consider sending a thoughtful follow-up email. In this message, you can briefly reiterate your skills and perhaps include an example that demonstrates your abilities that you didn't get to mention during the interview. Keep it concise and professional, and make sure it adds value rather than just rehashing your resume.

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?