Question: What is your approach to problem solving if the first logical approach is not working?

Alternative Question Phrasing:

When a logical approach to a problem is ineffective, how do you come up with a solution?

Follow-up questions:

What factors do you consider in coming up with an alternative solution? Why?

Question Details:

Question Type:

Knowledge/Skill Based

Skills:

Basic – Critical Thinking,Systems – Judgment and Decision Making

Abilities:

Cognitive – Category Flexibility (Mental Flexibility),Cognitive – Originality

Other Factors:

Personality-Job Fit,Personality-Organization Fit

Work Activity (Task):

Mental Processes – Making Decisions and Solving Problems,Mental Processes – Thinking Creatively (Creativity)

Work Style (Person-Job Fit):

Analytical Thinking,Innovation

Question Frequency

Question Difficulty

What to look for in an answer:

The candidate’s critical thinking skills.
The candidate’s logical thinking skills.

Red Flags to Watch For:

Failure to come up with any solution to a problem.

Sample Answer:

In solving work-related problems, I always make sure that I have at least a back-up plan just in case Plan A doesn’t work. I use my creativity and resourcefulness to come up with a solution.

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