When have you been asked to perform a function or complete a task in which you had little or no experience?

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2nd Answer Example
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Think of a time you had to take on a task or a role that you felt was over your experience level. Talk to the interviewer about a time when you have dealt with this type of situation. Describe the outcome of the situation and what you learned.

"When my manager went on unexpected medical leave for three months last year, I was asked to step into her position in the interim. I knew the basics but was certainly not trained on the specifics of the role. I was able to take it on successfully by leaning on my team, reading a lot of company manuals, and asking many questions. When my manager returned, she was pleased with the progress I made, and I received a promotion."

"At times, I will be asked to perform tasks in our computer system that I am not completely familiar with. When this happens, I do not ask for help right away. Rather, I search for the answer either in our manuals or online. I am comfortable taking on new tasks and enjoy learning new skills."

Anonymous Answer

"When I had my first baby I had no experience or idea of how to take care of her. So I asked a lot of questions of my family and friends and read a lot of books related to pediatrics."

Alexandra's Feedback

This is a unique answer! I like that you use this because it's clearly something you care about. I might add to this answer to show how you knew if you were successful, or what you did when you realized you needed to course-correct.

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Anonymous Answer

"When I first started nursing, there were many tasks that I didn't have experience with. But I would just ask my fellow nurses to help me, or I would look in our Manuel's to get familiar with."

Lauren's Feedback

Great response. On-the-job learning is a huge part of taking on a new role's learning curve. I helped supplement your response slightly to include openness to new experiences. The interviewer would like to know that you're open and willing to take on new functions if asked or required.

"When I first began my career in nursing, there were many new experiences, tasks, and functions to learn. On-the-job learning from colleagues helped with the initial learning curve. I welcome new tasks because growing as a nurse is a lifelong experience."

Anonymous Answer

"As a new nurse, there are many tasks you will come across that you have not experienced before. As you can not experience everything before being placed in an RN role. What has helped me grow as an RN is to be willing to ask others for help when new tasks arise."

Stephanie's Feedback

This is a great start, but your response should include a specific example here. Can you share a specific example of a time when you were asked o complete a task you'd never done before? What was the situation? What did you do? What was the result of your actions and/or what did you learn from them? This is a behavioral question and is designed to elicit a specific experience that you've had.

Anonymous Answer

"If it’s a new piece of equipment I ask to be serviced so that I can perform tasks with safety and efficiency. If it is not a mechanical task, I rely upon the policies and procedure manual of the company as well as employee and patient rights."

Marcie's Feedback

Nice! It's great that you have a plan for what to do if asked to work with a new piece of equipment or to complete a task you've never done before. Providing an example here of a time when you did just that successfully will strengthen your response. Good job!

Anonymous Answer

"Being new to the company, there are some tasks on the computer that I am not familiar with so before I reach out to someone I go to the reference guide type in the name of the function and it gives me instructions on how to go in and complete a task."

Marcie's Feedback

Nice! You come across as resourceful and self-sufficient here. What kinds of tasks did you have to perform on the computer? Did using the reference guide allow you to complete them? Assure the interviewer that you won't hesitate to jump in and get the job done even in instances when you're learning as you're going. Good job!

Anonymous Answer

"When I started at _____ I had no previous experience with EPIC. To learn, I took training courses, talked to staff about how they use the tool and played in the sandbox environment to to gain experience."

Jaymie's Feedback

Good job! You showed the interviewer that you're able to tackle a challenge head-on and use available resources to learn and master a skill. Reassure the interviewer that you're open to learning new things to round out your answer.

How to Answer: When have you been asked to perform a function or complete a task in which you had little or no experience?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Davita job interview.

4. When have you been asked to perform a function or complete a task in which you had little or no experience?

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"When I had my first baby I had no experience or idea of how to take care of her. So I asked a lot of questions of my family and friends and read a lot of books related to pediatrics."

Alexandra's Feedback

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"When I first started nursing, there were many tasks that I didn't have experience with. But I would just ask my fellow nurses to help me, or I would look in our Manuel's to get familiar with."

Lauren's Feedback

Anonymous Answer

Stephanie's Feedback

Anonymous Answer

Marcie's Feedback

Anonymous Answer

Marcie's Feedback

Anonymous Answer

Jaymie's Feedback

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