How to Answer: When a major problem arises on the job, what is your typical first reaction?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Palantir Technologies job interview.
3. When a major problem arises on the job, what is your typical first reaction?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
One mantra that Palantir lives by is "We meet the problems where they live." Because the company puts so much time and effort into customizing solutions for its diverse customer base and takes the time to launch onsite with its customers, new staff members need to come to Palantir with the ability to be astute problem solvers. To get at your ability to be quick and efficient in your problem-solving, your interviewer wants to hear you discuss how you initially handle the largest issues in your work.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 20th, 2023
How to Answer
Before your interview, take some time to think about your approach to solving major issues on the job. What you want to highlight to the Palantir team is your quick action in identifying the issue at hand, knowing everyone's interests in the matter, and then putting together potential solutions. If you can, try to walk your interviewer through a specific time that you worked on solving a problem that is similar to one you may face in the role you are interviewing for.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 20th, 2023
Answer Example
"I want you to be assured that I would come to your team at Palantir as a calm, cool, and collected problem solver. I know that designing new software for clients can have hiccups throughout the entire process, and my initial response when a problem is brought up would be to clearly identify what the problem is and then look into possible solutions. In my current position, this process involves conversations with customers as a first step. I never hesitate to pick up the phone and call current customers to assure that I know exactly what needs to be fixed."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 20th, 2023