What assignment was too difficult for you, and how did you resolve the issue?

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No one likes to discuss times they were challenged or even failed at a task. However, interviewers know that everybody encounters these situations. The key to answering this question is demonstrating how you successfully overcame a difficult situation or a significant challenge. This is the response the interviewer is looking for. Many people operate under the belief that there are no failures, only opportunities to learn and improve.

"I was once asked to provide a cost-benefit analysis of a new technology the company was considering implementing. Unfortunately, I was unfamiliar with the technology and didn't have any direct experience with it. Therefore, it was difficult for me to analyze the benefits and quantify them. My solution was to contact the vendor and to see if they had already performed a similar analysis. They had and were willing to step me through it, so I could better understand the benefits of their technology. They even had a tool that allowed me to customize the analysis with our organization's specific details. This enabled me to complete a cost-benefit analysis accurately and on time."

Anonymous Answer

"Over time I've developed a little algorithm to deal with unfamiliar situations. First I assess my level of familiarity with the topic (I have some recollection, I only recognized it or I'm new to it ). With that in hand, I proceed to first search it up and locate some useful materials, and read them. If after a while that proves not enough I reach out to a colleague that is comfortable with the topic and I engage in active listening mode, taking notes. After that, I re-review the material and summarize it in my notebook. An example of this was when I was tasked to create a new data retention policy for the institution. Although I'm familiar with data regulations such as the GDPR, SOX, HIPPA, and COPPA. I understood that my margin of error was zero thus I went ahead and researched information about FERPA, Title IV, and other industry guidelines and recommendations. I drafted the policy and as a failsafe, I consulted with our attorney before recommending the policy for implementation."

Amanda's Feedback

It sounds like you have a solid analytical process in place to help you approach new problems, topics, or ideas. Now, take your answer a step further by relating a specific example of a time when you put this process into action. Make sure to share the positive outcome to give the interviewer a complete picture of your ability to resolve the issue.