Here's how you can demonstrate problem-solving skills in small business job interviews.

It is always useful to identify what the problem is and then to be able to set out a response that not only deals with the issue in hand but also prevents the issue from reoccurring. Blue sky thinking will potentially give you a number of solutions some may not always work but unless you attempt to resolve the issue then the resolution remains untested.

I’ve seen firsthand how vital problem-solving skills are for small businesses. Small businesses face unique challenges that demand innovative solutions. During a job interview, showcasing your ability to identify and effectively address these challenges can set you apart. Share specific examples, demonstrate adaptability, and highlight the positive impact of your solutions. These qualities are highly valued and can significantly enhance your candidacy.

Ofrecer la primera solución que llega a la mente no es lo más adecuado, sin embargo, habrá que confiar un poco en la intuición y repasarla para ver si es aplicable en el problema presentado. No es necesario encontrar una solución rápida, debe de ser la más "lógica" y creativa.

In small business job interviews, it might be helpful to undermine your experience with concrete examples and stories, where you show the relevance of your knowledge for the new company in an approachable way. Don't be theoretic, show a hands-on-approach!

Sharing your comparable experience with sufficient detail and candour tells your prospective employer a few things: 1. You bring a wealth of technical and professional abilities in dealing with inevitable challenges calmly, rationally and decisively 2. You offer integrity and candour, a vital attribute in any environment and particularly needed in small business setting when your employer needs to rely on your heavily to push things forward 3. You exude reassurance by your capability in thinking outside the box and by offering practical solutions in somewhat difficult circumstances.

You've heard it before, but "facts tell, stories sell." Providing specific details on how you have navigated challenges, employed strategies, and solved problems will put you head and shoulders above anyone else in the process who cannot do the same. There are dozens of interview question practice guides available online. Review some of those and think about how you can use stories from your own experience to sell yourself as a candidate at your next interview.

Talk is cheap. If you want to share your experience, be prepared with a STAR story: - Situation - Task - Action - Result The more numbers that you can provide for these steps -- especially the result -- the better: "...And as a result, I reduced employee absenteeism in my shift by 75% and increased average sales by 25%."

It’s all about the story. These days connection, community, and communication often exist in vacuums and silos. We’re distracted and working double-time, constantly adjusting to major events. The rise of podcasts, social media & the ability to publish freely support our connection through storytelling. Stories have been shared for the history of humanity. They frame experiences in a familiar arc: problem, research, action, outcome, lessons. As you work with employers & stakeholders, using storytelling techniques increases connection & shows layers. It shows you’re articulate and accountable, you get conceptual thinking. Storytelling showcases intangible skills, delivering evidence of experience and its subsequent growth.

YES, adaptability DOES count! As a retired federal law enforcement officer, there were many unexpected situations while conducting investigations. The goal of adaptability in law enforcement is to be able to pivot safely and effectively. You want things to run as smooth as possible with the best outcome possible. As a parent, adaptability occurs daily in my household - from unexpected accidents, illnesses, and cancellations (appointments, babysitters, etc) to traffic delays. These parenting modification scenarios have helped me to expect the unexpected. What doesn’t hurt you, can only make you stronger!

I don't think I understood the value of the ability to pivot, until I had to in my own businesses. Pivoting is a skill that most business owners don't see often in candidates. Illustrating how you had to change directions due to changing market conditions, customer demands or possibly operational problems shows resourcefulness, flexibility and determination, all essential attributes for a small business, can be a huge plus in an interview.

Collaboration is rather important in any sort of business. There are a lot of business units in any organisation which work for the common goal of the business . By collaborating, we could easily find the missing puzzle that we would be looking for and could solve our issue in a short period. For instance , a sales and marketing team could work together with supply chain to get the cost down for their campaign.

Understanding the dynamics of a small business is crucial for any prospective employee. A small business thrives not in isolation but through active collaboration. The most successful employers foster an environment where employees are encouraged to reach out and collaborate with their peers, local networking partners, and personal contacts. When engaging with a potential employer, it's essential to demonstrate your proactive approach to collaboration and resource pooling. This not only underscores your potential to be a cost-saving asset for the small business, but also your capacity to initiate and lead team-building efforts, even in the absence of a formal team.

To reflect and learn on your past problems shows great strength and growth. The lessons gleaned from these experiences are invaluable - that you can overcome and persevere in times of stress, that you can problem solve and execute a plan, and that you have the determination to keep moving forward. Regardless if the problem was solved effectively and efficiently, you can at least build confidence in your abilities to find solutions. Setbacks can only make you stronger and wiser.

Come to the interview with a problem already solved! I had a friend apply for a job with a small business and there was supposed to be a Google Form to complete, the form was not setup right so she asked me what to do... I said, Tell the owner that if she gave you admin access, not only would you complete the form but you would also fix it! And she was hired on the spot! ❤️Sailynn... Your FUN Business Coach