Problem Solving Skills Interview Preparation Guide
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Problem Solving Skills related Frequently Asked Questions in various Problem Solving Skills job Interviews by interviewer. The set of questions here ensures that you offer a perfect answer posed to you. So get preparation for your new job hunting

45 Problem Solving Skills Questions and Answers:

1 :: Tell me what is a problem?

The concise defines a problem as:
☛ A doubtful or difficult matter requiring a solution.
☛ Something hard to understand or accomplish or deal with.

2 :: What are the common features of all the problems?

All problems have two features in common:
☛ Goals
☛ Barriers

3 :: What do you mean by goals in problems?

Problems involve setting out to achieve some objective or desired state of affairs and can include avoiding a situation or event.
Goals can be anything that you wish to achieve, where you want to be. If you are hungry then your goal is probably to eat something, if you are a head of an organisation then your main goal may be to maximize profits. In the example of the CEO the main goal may need to be split into numerous sub-goals in order to fulfill the ultimate goal of increasing profits.

4 :: What do you mean by barriers in all the problems?

If there were no barriers in the way of achieving a goal, then there would be no problem. Problem solving involves overcoming the barriers or obstacles that prevent the immediate achievement of goals.
Following our examples above, if you feel hungry then your goal is to eat. A barrier to this may be that you have no food available, you take a trip to the supermarket and buy some food, removing the barrier and thus solving the problem. Of course for the CEO wanting to increase profits there may be many more barriers preventing the goal from being reached. The CEO needs to attempt to recognize these barriers and remove them or find other ways to achieve the goals of the organisation.

5 :: Tell me what is a problem solving?

Problem solving consists of using generic methods, in an orderly manner, for finding solutions to problems. Some of the problem-solving techniques developed and used in artificial intelligence, computer science, engineering, mathematics, medicine, etc are related to mental problem-solving techniques studied in psychology.

6 :: How does a problem solving skills help you?

Having good strong problem solving skills can make a huge difference to your career. Problems are at the center of what many people do at work every day. Whether you are solving a problem for a client (internal or external), supporting those who are solving problems or discovering new problems to solve, the problems you face can be large or small, simple or complex and easy or difficult.

7 :: Why is it important to be a problem solver?

A fundamental part of every manager's role is finding ways to solve problems. So, being a confident problem solver is really important to your success. Much of that confidence comes from having a good process to use when approaching a problem. With one, you can solve problems quickly and effectively. Without one, your solutions may be ineffective or you will get stuck and do nothing, with sometimes painful consequences.

8 :: What does looking at the problems in terms of goals and barriers help with?

Looking at the problem in terms of goals and barriers can offer an effective way of defining many problems and splitting bigger problems into more manageable sub-problems.

9 :: What is important in defining the problems?

At this stage, it is also important to ensure that you look at the issue from a variety of perspectives. If you commit yourself too early, you can end up with a problem statement that is really a solution instead.

10 :: Give example of defining the problem?

Example:
Consider this problem statement:
We have to find a way of disciplining of people who do substandard work. This does not allow you the opportunity of discovering the real reasons for under-performance.