Tell us about a time you solved a problem by thinking creatively.
"Our department was coming in over budget. We'd recently implemented new systems to streamline all our processes and would increase productivity and our quality of work. We knew it would save us money and time over the next few months, but it wouldn't be sustainable unless we made cuts immediately elsewhere. Anticipating this, we cut expenses dramatically across our entire department. But a week later, reports came in; we were still slightly over budget, and something else had to go. Then, I had an idea. We were using an overpriced vendor for our office supplies, and they frequently shipped the wrong products or had significant delivery delays. I knew someone who managed an office supply company, and I was able to negotiate a bulk buyer's discount for our company while cutting out the vendor. Our annual savings provided us with a budget surplus, which allowed us to readjust our company budget in innovative ways."
The interviewers ask this question to measure your preferred working style and whether it meets their required criteria. They want to know how resourceful you are and whether you exhibit outside-of-the-box thinking. You want your answer to exhibit determination. Demonstrate that you aren't easily discouraged. As they say on their website, "As important as strategy is, we have to execute to win. Execution involves every employee and every contact we have with customers. The devil is in the details. We must act quickly on problems; drive results, not just activities; and ensure detailed follow-up so that we meet our commitments."
Share how you weigh success and what success means to you across all fronts; short-term goals, long-term goals, and the big picture. Remain objective and confident, keeping your face and posture relaxed and your body language open and at ease. Be mindful of the nonverbal cues of nervous or stressful behavior, such as fidgeting, which could include any small movements of your hands or feet, swaying, shifting your weight, rocking or tilting back in your chair, leaning to one side or the other, straightening and freezing your posture, cradling your neck with one or both hands, crossing your arms, cracking your knuckles or biting your nails.
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
West Chester Chess club.
I contacted 100 people, got people, talk to advisors, took the vote for exec, and was all set to go, but the school says no meeting bc covid, and everyone was sad. I said okay, then we do online meetings, I make an online platform, and everyone was happy, first tournament low turnout, second was higher because I promised cash rewards from my own bank account.
Marcie's Feedback
Wow! It definitely sounds like you put a lot into the club and making it successful. It also sounds like you solve problems creatively. How did the second tournament turn out? Did your out-of-the-box idea work?
