Gallup Mock Interview

Master 30 Gallup interview questions covering strengths-based assessments and behavioral scenarios.

Question 19 of 30

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

The Goal
Example Answer
Example Answer 2
What to Avoid
Pro Tip
Community Answers

Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.

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

Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.

"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

Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.

"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."

Rachelle Enns

Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.

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

Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.

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).

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Anonymous 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.

Rachelle's Feedback

You sound very resourceful. This answer showcases your ability to do your best no matter what is, or is not, provided to you.

Anonymous Answer

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

Rachelle's Feedback

Using the resources available to you is a significant first step. Can you include an example of a time when you needed to do this?

Anonymous 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.

Rachelle's Feedback

It seems you are able to handle this type of situation with poise and professionalism. If you have ever come across this situation, be sure to tell a quick story.

Anonymous 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.

Rachelle's Feedback

You seem to be very resourceful, and it's great that you mention keeping a positive outlook throughout situations where you may need to work harder to reach your goals.

Anonymous 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.

Cindy's Feedback

Ok, good. I might organize this information so that it's as clear as possible to the interviewer. I've given an example below to give you a start.

It's not unusual for materials or equipment to be in use or unavailable. I understand why not everything is always immediately available and try not to point the finger of blame. Instead, I try to plan ahead and ensure that I have everything I need for a presentation or a meeting in advance so that I don't give the impression that I am unprepared or unprofessional. On the rare occasion when I haven't been prepared with samples, for example, I apologize and ensure that the customer receives them as soon as possible after our meeting.

Anonymous 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.

Stephanie's Feedback

It sounds like you've consistently exhibited resourcefulness, which is such an important quality to have!

Anonymous 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.

Kevin's Feedback

So you react by looking for alternatives or creative solutions? Good! Is there an example of a time when this happened to you that you could mention. I've changed the wording of your philosophy and approach for the sake of clarity and flow. See below.

No doubt, one has to have the tools of their trade readily available and on hand in order to properly perform the functions of their job. So, I’m pretty good at managing my time and my projects. But even when situations arise when you don’t have everything you need at your fingertips to do your job right. I look at these as half glass full moments. It’s time’s like those where you should never let the obstacle take root. So, I’m always on the lookout for alternative or creative solutions by exploring every resource, and more often than not, the best resource is another member of the team. But for me, the best tool and resource at my disposal is one I have on hand at all times, and that’s my attitude. With the right attitude, you can overcome any obstacle.

Anonymous 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.

Discovery

29.On a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the happiest, how happy are you as a person?

Discovery

Gallup Mock Interview

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

30Gallup Interview Questions & Answers

1.Do you think a chain of command is essential in the workplace?

2.What does being competitive mean to you, and how competitive are you?

3.Tell me about a time you felt successful.

4.Tell me about a time you felt uncomfortable or unprepared in your job.

5.What is the kindest thing a boss has ever said to you? How did the compliment make you feel, and did you agree with the praise?

6.Do you consider yourself a quick thinker? Tell me about a time your quick thinking saved the day.

7.Do you consider yourself to be direct and forthright with others?

8.Tell me about a time you provided honest feedback to a coworker.

9.Have you ever put your professional work ahead of your personal life?

10.How do you keep track of your day-to-day tasks and activities?

11.Would you prefer to earn a set salary or be offered uncapped pay based on performance?

12.What does integrity mean to you?

13.Give an example of a time you showed integrity on the job or in your personal life.

14.Walk me through your morning routine.

15.When a leadership opportunity presents itself, are you excited to jump in, or do you feel nervous?

16.What motivates you the most in your current role?

17.Name for me one task in your current job that you wish you could perform more often.

18.Do you understand what is expected of you in your current role?

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

20.Would this job give you the opportunity to do what you do best every day?

21.How do you know if you're doing a good job?

22.How can we encourage your professional development?

23.What steps have you taken this year to encourage your professional development?

24.How often do you give yourself challenges outside of your comfort zone?

25.Do the values of our company align with what you view as important?

26.How do you gain buy-in from your co-workers when it comes to delivering quality work?

27.Do you have a best friend at work? Is it important for you to have close friendships within the workplace?

28.When you think about joining a new company, are you nervous about meeting new people, or is this an exciting thought for you?

29.On a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the happiest, how happy are you as a person?

30.Do you consider yourself an overachiever? Why or why not?