How do you react when you do not have the materials or equipment needed to perform your work?

Question

Rachelle Enns · Accepted Answer

"When I do not have the resources I need to complete a task or reach a goal, I get creative and work through the issue from the bottom up. Most of all, I am sure to maintain a positive outlook. (Situation) Just last week, one of my favorite statistics resources suddenly went offline. (Task) The situation was intense because I was supposed to turn in my research the following morning. (Action) Instead of panicking and focusing on the inconvenience, I took inventory of the resources I had access to. I completed the research that I could, knowing that I could ask for an extension on the project if needed. (Result) As a result, I remained focused and undistracted, getting as much productive time in as I could, despite the roadblock. (Closing Statement) You will find that I am a resourceful person and can work independently to figure out a situation, even when I may not have a full range of tools or resources."

Rachelle Enns · Answer

The interviewer wants to know how you go about meeting expectations, even when your resources may fall short. The goal of your response is to show the interviewer that you are capable of problem-solving and meeting roadblocks with a positive, proactive mindset.

Rachelle Enns · Answer

Avoid giving a response that makes it seem like you panic or blame others or the company when you are short on resources to perform your job. Yes, your company must provide you with the support and tools needed to succeed; however, it's also essential that you show resourcefulness and problem-solving abilities.

Rachelle Enns · Answer

You must prove to the interviewer that you are accountable for the outcomes of your work. Throughout your career, you will face challenges in completing tasks and projects. Often, these challenges arise due to resources falling short or materials and tools being unavailable at the precise moment you need them. Discuss in detail how you react to these types of situations.

If you've encountered a scenario like this, whether at work or in school, consider providing a brief story. You can achieve this storytelling approach by using the STAR framework (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

Rachelle Enns · Answer

"When I fall short on resources, I begin by gathering an inventory of the resources I do have. I dig in, discover where the gaps are, and then track down what I need to complete my task. I find resources online, refer to internal company processes, or ask experienced coworkers to help when appropriate. Most importantly, I maintain confidence in myself and rely on my knowledge. It's important to go for it and do the best I can with the resources I have."

Anonymous User · Answer

"I think it is important to understand, when materials aren't available from a company perspective, that there is a valid reason for this and to make sure I am seen as supporting that reason to our customers as opposed to pointing fingers. When materials aren't available I always make sure first of all that I can reassure them that there is a solution in the interim of the current delay. I have offered historically for eg, electronic copies of product literature that they can use. When for example a customer has wanted samples and they haven't been available, I have apologized for and sent them some of my own samples, as I always kept stock in my garage in case there ever was a need."

Anonymous User · Answer

"I have been in this situation a few times, I have learned to work with what I have. Sometimes budgetary constraints will mean I do not have the workforce or the ability to bring in training materials. I have run a fully functional HR department on my own for up to 6 to 12 weeks."

Anonymous User · Answer

"I try not to panic and work with what I have available."

Anonymous User · Answer

"I stay calm and assess the situation to identify other ways to complete the task at hand or set the expectation with the customer, so they are not caught off guard when the equipment is needed."

Anonymous User · Answer

"I use what I do have and identify anything that I may need to complete the task successfully. I am more than happy to refer to co-workers/management for help and use online/ internal resources. I keep a positive outlook, break the task down, and plan how to tackle it in segments."

Anonymous User · Answer

"Well, I first assess the situation to clarify the materials that I do have. If there is anything that I feel I may be missing, I find ways to make it happen. It's so easy to search online for any necessary resources. I communicate with others to get their take on things. I do my best with what I have."

Anonymous User · Answer

"Materials or equipment are very important for the completion of work most of the time. this is like a half glass full or half glass empty. I always find alternative or creative solutions by exploring with a most experienced team, many a time we find a solution once we finalize a problem statement itself."

Anonymous User · Answer

"I stay calm and start figuring out what I do have and how I can best utilize those materials. Then I will start researching, either online if I am trying to find out about a new team for example, or use salesforce to research a customer. I think this is where being comfortable enough to reach out to other team members or departments to see if they have any materials. But this won't always be able to happen. For example, when I was shadowing my TM we were going to meet a key customer to show him some new materials, but the TM was unable to come to the meeting and I didn't have the hard copies. This was the whole purpose of the meeting. I stayed calm and explained the situation to the customer, and then used my knowledge of the product to explain it. I had asked the marketing team if they had a PDF copy last minute and they sent it to me during the session, so I was able to show it to him. You have to do the best with what you have available."

Anonymous User · Answer

"Improvise do or die as they say in the Marine Corps. This is a concept I have implemented in most aspects of my professional and personal life. Working for parks & recreation gave me very little resources and my fitness center needed to stand out to beat the big corporate gyms. I did this with atypical free programming and completing some of the installs myself vs paying for it to buy a few more pieces of equipment. As a small business owner with no investors, I had to create a lot with very little. I used my expertise to carefully purchase the right equipment, did all the installation, created numerous programs, created facility-specific videos to help members."

Anonymous User · Answer

"My initial response is to prioritize and shift so that that resources are used on the most high-impact or critical projects. I do this when trying to secure human resources for a project as well."

Anonymous User · Answer

"First, I remain calm and positive while thinking of other alternatives. Just the other day, a surgeon called me for a last-minute mesh request. I didn't have exactly what they needed so I suggested a few alternative options and explained the features and benefits. I then drove down to deliver the product to the surgeon and be there to make sure the case went smoothly. The surgeon was grateful for me coming through last minute for the benefit of the patient and very happy with the results of the case."

Anonymous User · Answer

"I always try to remain calm and level-headed as panicking or blaming others will not help resolve the situation. Instead, I step back and try to find an alternative solution. I think this is where my good people skills and networking have come in handy as I can rely on close contacts to perhaps assist in providing the missing equipment/consumables until I can replace them. One example is for my microsurgery course, I asked a technician to order some specific sutures needed for the course, but they forgot and the order was not placed. This was only discovered a day before the course start date. I pleaded with some contacts at the local hospital, to see whether I could borrow some from their theatre. They could lend me a few boxes and I replaced them when my order came in."

Anonymous User · Answer

"I always hold myself accountable for my duties and goals no matter the lack of resources. Currently, our sales team is understaffed and I am often required to cover vacant territories in our region. Through planning, organizing, and communicating with my customers and team I can successfully adapt to this environment and exceed target goals."

How do you react when you do not have the materials or equipment needed to perform your work?

How to Answer: How do you react when you do not have the materials or equipment needed to perform your work?

19. How do you react when you do not have the materials or equipment needed to perform your work?

The Goal

What to Avoid

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