How to Answer: What has been your biggest challenge in this profession?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Woodworkers job interview.
17. What has been your biggest challenge in this profession?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer asks this question to see what aspect of this profession you find challenging and how you overcome adversity. You might find a particular tool challenging to use, struggle to find adequate space to work on projects, or have difficulty finding acceptable wood at a reasonable price. Describe your greatest challenge and how you deal with it while not letting it interfere with your work.
Written by Krista Wenz on January 2nd, 2022
What to Avoid
Avoid mentioning a challenge that would keep you from adequately performing your job. For example, you might feel that working with customers is the most challenging part of your profession. However, if you mention that as your most significant challenge, the interviewer might think that you will be a problematic employee if their woodworkers are in direct contact with the customers.
Written by Krista Wenz on January 2nd, 2022
Answer Example
"My greatest challenge in this profession is finding an abundance of exotic woods at a reasonable price. When I started working as a woodworker, specialty woods were abundant at good prices. Now, they are in short supply, and what I can find is much more expensive. I had to change my designs somewhat and started incorporating local woods in my projects to make up for the lack of exotic woods."
Written by Krista Wenz on January 2nd, 2022