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Adaptability Mock Interview

To help you prepare for your next job interview, here are 15 interview questions that are focused on your ability to adapt.

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Question 4 of 15

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

"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. Once my manager returned she was very pleased with the progress that I made. This success resulted in a promotion!"

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

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

      How to Answer

      The interviewer would like to know about a time when you were asked to take on a task for which you knew very little. Have you ever had to take on a responsibility 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. Include the outcome, and what you learned.

      Answer Example

      "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. Once my manager returned she was very pleased with the progress that I made. This success resulted in a promotion!"

      Admin

      "I am often asked to perform tasks outside of my wheelhouse. These tasks include customer dispute resolution and interviewing potential new employees. I am a diverse employee and am happy to take on additional functions."

      Manager

      "My first management job was the scariest time in my career! I honestly didn't know if I was doing my job correctly. I led by instinct, took leadership workshops, and spent a lot of time reading books related to effective people management."

      Marketing

      "I perform new functions on a daily basis and am most challenged when a new marketing technique comes to the industry. I love to learn new strategies; however, in the marketing industry these can change on a dime, and it's often a full-time job just to remain current!"

      Retail

      "I was asked to train an employee on a new point of sale system that I hardly knew. To prepare, I worked overtime, watching online tutorials so that the new employee's training time was well spent."

      Sales

      "In a startup environment, the name of the game is basically 'fake it 'till you make it.' I'm often learning on the fly, especially when a customer has a question about a new product for which I am not completely familiar. I've had to learn to be okay not knowing things and performing a lot of research to compensate. It is a significant challenge, but also very rewarding."

      Teacher

      "When I first started my teaching career I was asked to help create a curriculum for students with disabilities. I did not have experience with this, so I teamed up with a special ed teacher, and we worked together. It was a success!"

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "I always try to come from a place of yes and a can-do mindset. I was approached by the Dean to digitize a survey. I had no idea and needed to do some research on what programs I had available to me. I was able to create a digital survey with multiple-choice, skip logic, open text. Once the survey was sent out it was successful and had a high rate of return of 80%."

      Marcie's Feedback

      This is a great answer particularly because you've included numbers and measurable results; these metrics help make your response impactful and meaningful. You come across as capable, competent, and resourceful. Nice!
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