Interview: overcoming a significant challenge. #interviewtips #interviewquestions #phd #postdoc

TL;DR

Learn how to effectively answer the interview question about overcoming significant challenges in work without sounding negative or arrogant.

Transcript

hey there friends so you are interviewing for a postdoc or a PhD student position and you're doing well in the interview and then the question comes up so tell me about a time when you overcame a significant challenge in your work or variance thereof like what was the most significant problem that you solved this is a question that very often is as... Read More

Key Insights

• 🍵 The question about overcoming significant challenges assesses problem-solving skills and the ability to handle adversity.
• 💄 Candidates should avoid complaining, talking negatively about others, making the challenge seem easy, or discussing personal challenges.
• ❓ It is important to prepare by reflecting on significant challenges and focusing on what was learned from overcoming them.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why is the question about overcoming significant challenges commonly asked in interviews?

Employers ask this question to gauge problem-solving skills and how candidates handle difficult situations, as these skills are important for the job.

Q: What should candidates avoid when answering this question?

Candidates should refrain from complaining or talking negatively about their employer or others. They should also avoid stating that the challenge was easy or discussing personal challenges unrelated to work.

Q: Why is it important to keep the answer short and concise?

Going into too much detail or revealing too much personal information can give a negative impression. It's important to stay focused on the challenge and the resolution.

Q: What if a candidate cannot think of a specific example to answer this question?

It is unlikely that a candidate has never faced any challenges in their career. If they cannot think of a personal example, they can mention a situation where they assisted someone else in overcoming a challenge.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The question about overcoming significant challenges in work is often asked in interviews to assess problem-solving skills and ability to handle adversity.

• Avoid complaining, talking about personal issues, or making it seem like the challenge was easy.

• Prepare beforehand by reflecting on significant challenges and emphasize what you learned from overcoming them.