How do you overcome the challenges you face on complex group projects?
By asking this behavioral interview question, your interviewer is trying to gain an understanding of your approach to problem-solving and conflict resolution. Interviewers are looking to hire a candidate that doesn't give up easily in the face of a challenge.
Engineers often work on complex and tasking projects that involve multiple resources, timelines, and teams. Your response to this question can show you can resolve conflict in the workplace. Make sure you thoroughly explain your thought processes for overcoming challenges and the practical ways you used your skills to get through the adverse conditions. You should give an example that demonstrates your ability to recover when things go wrong.
"In my last semester of college, we had a group project that involved partnering with practicing engineers. Around week four, we realized that one of the group members was not pulling his weight. The work he agreed to do was not getting done. I took charge of the situation and scheduled a group meeting to discuss the issue. Ultimately, that person dropped off the project, but by addressing the problem head-on, the group was able to divide up our work and complete the project on time. In the future, I would make sure that the group has weekly meetings to assess our progress. That would make sure the project was on track and that the work was getting done."
