Question: Describe the most challenging work related problem you have come across. How did you come up with a solution for the problem?

Alternative Question Phrasing:

What is the most challenging workplace problem you have encountered? What did you do to come up with a solution?

Follow-up questions:

Was there anything you think you could have done to avoid this problem?
What did you learn from this experience?
If selected, how do you approach if a similar problem comes up?

Question Details:

Question Type:

Behavioral

Skills:

Basic – Critical Thinking,Basic – Science and Logic,Complex Problem Solving,Systems – Judgment and Decision Making

Abilities:

Cognitive – Deductive Reasoning,Cognitive – Inductive Reasoning,Cognitive – Originality,Cognitive – Problem Sensitivity (Problem Recognition)

Other Factors:

Candidate Preparedness,Personal Improvement (Growth),Personality-Job Fit,Personality-Organization Fit,Practical Intelligence (Street Smarts),Self-Awareness

Work Activity (Task):

Information Input – Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events,Mental Processes – Analyzing Data or Information,Mental Processes – Judging the Value of Things, Services, or People,Mental Processes – Making Decisions and Solving Problems,Mental Processes – Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work,Mental Processes – Thinking Creatively (Creativity),Mental Processes – Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Work Context (Person-Job/Team/Org Fit):

Job Structure – Structured versus Unstructured Work

Work Style (Person-Job Fit):

Achievement/Effort (Action/Result Orientation),Analytical Thinking,Attention to Detail,Handling Ambiguity,Initiative,Innovation,Persistence/Perseverance,Self Control,Stress Tolerance

Question Frequency

Question Difficulty

What to look for in an answer:

You are looking to find to what extent the candidate has faced pressure or stress in the professional capacity.
You are keen to know that approach the candidate has taken to solve the problem.
The candidate’s answers will likely tell you their true potential.

Red Flags to Watch For:

If the candidate narrates a situation which is less challenging and looks quite simple for your industry.
If the candidate sounds nervous talking about this situation and seems as if they have handled it poorly.

Sample Answer:

N/A

Question Source: https://www.totaljobs.com/advice/most-common-competency-based-interview-questions