Learn how to see your problem solving skills with the IDEAL method… and talk about these skills at job interviews!
About your problem solving skills
Problem solving is one of those great skills that helps you in work, study and life. Being a good problem solver takes practice, logic and a calm look at things in times of stress. With our free Young Professional training you’ve been working on your self-management, being organised and planning for all outcomes. Even so, things go wrong sometimes… no matter how prepared you are!
The basics of problem solving mean how you go through basic steps when faced with any problem.Employers will love to see you understand how to approach problem solving at job interviews.
Problem solving with the IDEAL method
Problems won’t always announce their arrival. You might see little things going wrong, highlighting that a bigger issue is happening behind the scenes. Once you’re aware of a problem, you need some tools to help deal with it. And we’ve got an IDEAL set of tools for you.
The IDEAL method helps you making sure that you are tackling the problem. Whenever you’re faced with a problem, remember the IDEAL way to deal with it:
The IDEAL method
- Identify the problem
- Define the problem
- Examine solutions
- Act on your plan
- Look at the results of your actions and learn from them.
The IDEAL method is a good tool to use when faced with any problems. You’re welcome! Now, let’s look at telling the world about your problem solving skills… like in interviews, for instance.
Talking about Problem Solving in Job Interviews
Very often in interviews for work, apprenticeships college you will be asked by an interviewer to give examples of your skills.
Example problem solving questions in interviews:
- Tell me about a time you you’ve had to overcome a problem?
- Tell me about a time when something didn’t go to plan and the actions you took?
- Tell me about a time you worked in a team and had to overcome a problem
- Tell me about a time you have had to deal with a difficult situation at work?
Encountering problems is no-one’s favourite thing to do. When asked to talk about past problems we can tie ourselves in knots trying to explain the situation. Things can quickly get confusing. It’s worth having a set of examples ready and practising them.
Talking about your problem solving skills in interviews with the STARR method
REMEMBER: Explain the problem fully and give real examples using the STARR method: Think about the Situation you faced, the Task you had to complete, the Actions you took, and the Results you achieved. Then Reflect your problem solving skills by looking back on how you did.
SITUATION
- Explain the situation you were in and the problem that arose
TASK
- What did you do, and what did the task or role involve?
- Make sure you highlight your roles and responsibilities
ACTION
- What did YOU do to meet the objective of/complete the task?
- You might want to cover what you did and how you did it, including what skills you used.
- An interviewer is looking for how you assessed and decided what was the appropriate response to the situation, and how you got the other team members involved – which in turn is a great way to demonstrate your communication skills.
RESULT
- What was the outcome?
- Did you make a difference?
- Can you quantify this?
STRENGTHEN
- What did you do well?
- What didn’t go as well as you’d hoped?
- After reflection, what would you have done differently?
- What could have been improved to achieve an even greater success?
What not to say at interviews
This is about you highlighting your skills, not downplaying other people. It’s not going to impress the interviewer if you claim that every problem was someone else’s fault and you fixed them single-handedly because you are brilliant.
Also avoid saying there’s never been a problem in any team you’ve worked in because you are wonderful!
See all interview tips
