Austin Health is looking for individuals with strong problem-solving skills. Please describe when you successfully resolved a problem in the workplace.
Problem-solving, critical thinking, and dispute resolution are critical skills to possess in the workplace. Display to the interviewer that you are capable of problem-solving on the job. Talk about a time when you were creative, proactive, and displayed the leadership qualities required to resolve a workplace issue.
"I worked in a clinic where the primary population was low income. We had a lot of concerns with patients not showing up for appointments when expected. The staff wanted to start double-booking patient time slots. Instead, I got permission to spend a day in a highly-rated clinic serving the same population. Instead of scheduling, they had these 'drop-in mornings' with a shared waiting room. I took these methods and incorporated them into our setting. We did that twice weekly, which completely solved our scheduling problem."
"We had many group projects in University, and I noticed a consistent problem with team members showing up late for meetings or messaging in sick at the very last moment. As the team leader, rather than getting upset, I proposed that when a team member disrespectfully dropped the ball, they would be asked to leave the group and find a new group or commit to an independent project. I felt this encouraged accountability and showed teamwork as a privilege rather than a right. Team member commitments increased as did work ethic among the groups."
Working in the healthcare industry, you will have many problems to solve daily. You never know what each day will bring, and you must show the interviewer that you have the skills they seek in a candidate. Try to give an example that is an unusual problem you were able to resolve successfully, showing you are creative and think outside the box.
