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Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
Employers want to know that you have a systematic approach to problem-solving. Consider the skills and qualities that help you successfully face problems. Perhaps you have a keen eye for detail. Maybe you can see opportunity when others can only focus on the issue. Share your strengths as a problem solver and your ability to come up with innovative solutions.

Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
"I have had the privilege of solving many problems as a healthcare professional, but I must say that there is one in particular that I am incredibly proud of. Recently, I identified a gap in communication between physicians and their patients. I realized that patients were often confused and overwhelmed by the information they were receiving from their doctors and that this was leading to a communication breakdown that prevented patients from receiving the best possible care.
To address this issue, I worked closely with my multidisciplinary teams to develop a more patient-centered approach to communication. We created tools and resources designed to help patients better understand their health conditions and treatment options, and we also implemented training programs for healthcare professionals to help them become more effective communicators.
Through this work, we were able to improve the overall quality of care that patients received and their satisfaction with the healthcare services they received. I am proud to have been a part of this effort, and I believe it is a testament to the power of using my critical thinking and analytical skills to show that I am a great problem solver."

Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
"What makes me a great problem solver is my ability to analyze situations and come up with creative solutions. I approach each problem with an open mind and consider all possible options before settling on a solution. Additionally, I am able to stay calm under pressure and work well with others to brainstorm ideas and collaborate on solutions. Overall, I believe my combination of analytical skills, creativity, and teamwork make me a successful problem solver."

Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
The interviewer is trying to assess your critical thinking skills and ability to develop creative solutions to challenges. By asking this question, they want to determine if you have the necessary skills and mindset to handle problems that may arise on the job. It's important to provide specific examples of times when you have successfully solved problems in the past and explain the approach you took to arrive at a solution. This will demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and help you stand out as a strong candidate for the position.

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I think I'm a good problem solver as I try to approach situations from a variety of angles, gaining different perspectives and respecting others' opinions. I'm not frightened to make a decision that is in the best interest of my patient if it's unusual for other colleagues.

Stephanie's Feedback
This is a great start, but I suggest developing your response a bit more. Do you use creativity and innovation? Can you provide a specific example of a time when you practiced great problem-solving? More specifics will help to take your response from good to great.
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Written by Krista Wenz
30 Questions & Answers • Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust

By Krista

By Krista