Non-Technical Scenario Q: Imagine you're tasked with improving a product/service that's receiving mixed reviews due to a specific issue, but you can't overhaul it entirely. How would you identify the root cause and develop a cost-effective solution? 🎯 This assesses the candidate’s ability to analyze feedback, prioritize cost-effective solutions, and solve problems efficiently within constraints. Technical Scenario Q: You’re working on a system with heavy traffic, and you notice performance degradation. How would you identify the root cause and optimize the system without compromising reliability? 🎯 This checks technical skills, problem-solving under pressure, and system optimization while maintaining reliability. .

To uncover problem-solving skills creatively, ask: "If you were stranded on a deserted island with only a laptop and no internet, how would you use it to survive?" "Tell me about a time you turned a mistake into an opportunity." "Imagine you’re given a project with zero guidelines—what’s your first move?" These questions go beyond rehearsed answers, revealing adaptability, critical thinking, and innovation. Pay attention to how candidates approach ambiguity, articulate ideas, and leverage resources. Their ability to turn challenges into opportunities offers a glimpse into their problem-solving mindset and resilience in dynamic scenarios.

I like to throw in a curveball question like, "Tell me about a time you had to solve a problem with no rulebook." It really reveals their resourcefulness and ability to think outside the box.

I like to ask open-ended questions that focus on the "problem-solving" aspect of their work. For example, I'll ask something like, "How do you manage multiple priorities at once while still staying on track to meet your work goals?" This kind of question opens up a STAR like answer from candidates.

Start with a hypothetical question to kickoff the conversation. Give them a problem statement and ask them how they would solve it. Along the way candidates will get stuck and ask questions. Help them by giving them additional information. But toss in some extra obstacles to see how they can think on their feet. Ask a lot of "what if" questions. Evaluate their ability to compare tradeoffs with decisions, keep stakeholders informed, and their ability to think about risks. Have a rubric to judge the quality of their response, its content, and their ability to communicate.