Question: Describe a time when you used a step by step approach to discover the reason for an uncommon but repeated error in a work process. What steps did you take to find the problem and what happened after?

Alternative Question Phrasing:

What steps did you take on the last occasion that you detected the cause of a company operating error?

Follow-up questions:

How did you discover the issue?
What steps did you take?
How did you approach thinking about the problem?
What happened in the end?

Question Details:

Question Type:

Behavioral

Skills:

Basic – Critical Thinking,Basic – Monitoring (Making observations of self and environment),Basic – Science and Logic,Complex Problem Solving,Systems Analysis,Systems Evaluation

Abilities:

Cognitive – Deductive Reasoning,Cognitive – Flexibility of Closure (Pattern Detection),Cognitive – Inductive Reasoning

Work Activity (Task):

Information Input – Estimating Characteristics of Objects, Events, or Information,Information Input – Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events,Information Input – Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials (for Problem Identification),Information Input – Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings,Mental Processes – Analyzing Data or Information,Mental Processes – Evaluating Compliance with Standards,Mental Processes – Judging the Value of Things, Services, or People,Work Output – Quality Improvement

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

Job Structure – Consequence of Error,Job Structure – Work Accuracy (Importance of Being Exact or Accurate)

Work Style (Person-Job Fit):

Analytical Thinking,Attention to Detail,Initiative,Innovation

Question Frequency

Question Difficulty

What to look for in an answer:

You are primarily looking to analyze the interviewee’s ability to take a methodical approach to problem identification. The problem solving aspect of their ability is secondary.

Red Flags to Watch For:

If the interviewee only took a hap-hazard approach to problem identification, it is a red flag.

Sample Answer:

N/A

Question Source: https://www.jobbankusa.com/interview_questions_answers/