If you see a problem, but are unsure of a solution, what do you do? When has this happened to you?

How to Answer
Entry Level
Answer Example
Experienced

The interviewer would like to know how you tackle problems on the job. The steps that you take to problem solve will tell the interviewer a lot about you. Assure the interviewer that you can efficiently manage workplace issues, even when you may not have an immediate answer.

"If I am stuck on a particular problem, I will take a break from trying to figure out what's wrong and ask a coworker for advice. Getting another person's perspective when you start to feel like you're hitting a wall can help one to see a problem with a fresh set of eyes. As humans, sometimes we overthink! The biggest hurdle can be asking for help, and I am not above asking for help when I'm stuck."

"Recently I came across a major plumbing concern in one of our residential buildings. The situation was severe and required more specific expertise than I could offer. I had to call in additional resources. If I come across a problem where I do not personally have a solution, I have no concern calling other industry professionals for assistance."

"In the start of my career, I was a shift manager in a warehouse. I had a staff member who was stealing supplies. Rumors were going around that she was dishonest; however, there was no evidence. I didn't know what to do, so I carefully waited and, after two days, the rumored infractions were caught on camera. At that point, I was able to terminate her employment. I went beyond regular expectations by gaining evidence before terminating her. I knew this approach to solving the problem would prevent a human resources issue down the road, and it also saved my company from having to pay this employee any severance pay."

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How to Answer: If you see a problem, but are unsure of a solution, what do you do? When has this happened to you?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Maintenance job interview.

17. If you see a problem, but are unsure of a solution, what do you do? When has this happened to you?

How to Answer

The interviewer would like to know how you tackle problems on the job. The steps that you take to problem solve will tell the interviewer a lot about you. Assure the interviewer that you can efficiently manage workplace issues, even when you may not have an immediate answer.

Written by Rachelle Enns

Entry Level

"If I am stuck on a particular problem, I will take a break from trying to figure out what's wrong and ask a coworker for advice. Getting another person's perspective when you start to feel like you're hitting a wall can help one to see a problem with a fresh set of eyes. As humans, sometimes we overthink! The biggest hurdle can be asking for help, and I am not above asking for help when I'm stuck."

Written by Rachelle Enns

Answer Example

"Recently I came across a major plumbing concern in one of our residential buildings. The situation was severe and required more specific expertise than I could offer. I had to call in additional resources. If I come across a problem where I do not personally have a solution, I have no concern calling other industry professionals for assistance."

Written by Rachelle Enns

Experienced

"In the start of my career, I was a shift manager in a warehouse. I had a staff member who was stealing supplies. Rumors were going around that she was dishonest; however, there was no evidence. I didn't know what to do, so I carefully waited and, after two days, the rumored infractions were caught on camera. At that point, I was able to terminate her employment. I went beyond regular expectations by gaining evidence before terminating her. I knew this approach to solving the problem would prevent a human resources issue down the road, and it also saved my company from having to pay this employee any severance pay."

Written by Rachelle Enns

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