What is your approach to solving complicated problems you haven't faced before?
Your interviewer wants to learn more about how resourceful you are, your brand of innovation, and whether you are capable of outside-of-the-box thinking. How you answer also stands to inform your interviewer whether you seek help from your leaders or teammates, and collaborate and involve others in your decision-making. Your answer may also inform them of your approach to taking risks at work, and how informed and calculated your approach to risk-taking is.
"Well, one of the nicknames my supervisors have for me is eavesdropper. This is because I am always actively listening and have an ear bent to what they are discussing amongst themselves, especially when they are talking shop. This has often gifted me with the insight to anticipate their needs and make the types of decisions they would make in complicated situations. Granted, I always, always, respect the chain of command, but sometimes you just have to act, and in those situations, you don't always have all the information you need to make a fully informed decision, nor a supervisor close by to make those decisions for you. So, using an educated guess, with a familiarity of how they would move forward, I have on occasion made decisions to protect the interests of our teams. Every risk I take is highly calculated. Or, as I like to say, I rarely take a bet I am not positive I can win. So my approach is staying informed, in every way that I can."
Even after spending a little time on their website, you can see their ideal candidates are imaginative, innovative, have vision, and are prone to explore and discover. "Work reimagined. When you envision your career, do you see yourself discovering, innovating, protecting, evolving? If the answer is yes, you belong at Teck. We offer challenges, rewards, growth and adventure. Best of all, we offer the chance to help shape the future." Consider this when formulating your answer to this question.
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
If I've encountered a complicated problem, I would first try to reflect back to a past situation that is similar in nature and come up with an effective solution. Other times, I would search company guidelines or available systems for the answer or discuss this problem with my superior or a mentor.
Marcie's Feedback
Excellent! Thinking about times before when you successfully solved a complicated problem, referring to company guidelines, and consulting a manager are all great ways to handle this type of situation. You might also mention that you consider yourself an out-of-the-box and creative thinker who will examine the problem from all angles until you come up with a viable solution. Great job!
Anonymous Answer
The first thing for me to do is to refer to the information that the company has provided. I will also reflect on whether a similar problem exists and what solutions were offered. Also, I will think it through and provide a solution on my own, but if it happens I am unable to, I will relate the problem to my supervisor.
Jaymie's Feedback
Great! It's always nice to hear someone try to self-help and utilize resources available to them but also know when it's appropriate to ask for support.
Unlock all 30 Teck Resources Limited questions
Prepare for technical and behavioral questions specific to Canada's mining industry leader.
Get Started