When it comes to job interviews, one of the most common types of questions that can make or break your chances of landing the job is the behavioral interview question. These questions usually start with Tell me about a time when… or Can you give an example of…. One of the most popular ones is Can you give an example of a time when you overcame an obstacle?.

At first glance, this question may seem daunting, but fear not! With some preparation and practice, you can confidently answer this question and showcase your problem-solving skills to the interviewer.

So, how do you respond to this question effectively? Here are some strategies and example sentences to help you ace this question:

Strategy 1: Start with a Brief Story
Begin by setting the context for your story. Give a brief overview of the situation, highlighting the obstacle you faced and its significance.

In my previous role as a marketing coordinator, I was tasked with launching a new product within a tight deadline.

Strategy 2: Describe the Obstacle
Explain the obstacle you faced, making sure to emphasize its complexity and the stakes involved.

However, just a week before the launch, our production team informed me that the shipment of promotional materials was delayed, putting our entire launch timeline at risk.

Strategy 3: Highlight Your Actions
Describe the specific actions you took to overcome the obstacle. Be specific about what you did, how you did it, and why it was effective.

I quickly assessed the situation and came up with a contingency plan, working closely with our production team to identify alternative suppliers and negotiating with them to expedite the delivery.

Strategy 4: Emphasize the Results
Explain the outcome of your actions, highlighting what you achieved and how it positively impacted the situation.

Thanks to my quick thinking and problem-solving skills, we were able to launch the product on time, and the campaign was a huge success, exceeding our sales projections by 20%.

Strategy 5: Connect the Dots
Finally, connect the story back to the job you’re interviewing for, highlighting how your experience and skills make you a strong candidate for the position.

I believe my ability to think on my feet and effectively manage obstacles will enable me to make a significant contribution to your team and drive results in this role.

Here are some more example sentences to help you craft your response:

I remember when our team was tasked with reducing costs without compromising quality. I recommended implementing a lean manufacturing process, which resulted in a 15% reduction in costs without affecting product quality.

During my internship, I encountered a technical issue with our database that was causing errors in our reports. I worked with our IT team to troubleshoot the issue and implement a fix, ensuring that our reports were accurate and timely.

In my previous role, I was responsible for managing a team of sales representatives. When one of our top performers left the company, I had to quickly reassign territories and provide additional training to the remaining team members to ensure that our sales targets were met.

When our company’s website was hacked, I worked with our IT team to identify the source of the issue and implement a plan to rebuild the site and restore customer confidence.

As a project manager, I had to navigate a complex stakeholder landscape to deliver a high-profile project on time and within budget. I worked closely with cross-functional teams to identify and mitigate risks, ensuring that the project was completed to the satisfaction of all stakeholders.

Remember, the key to acing this question is to be specific, concise, and authentic in your response. By following these strategies and practicing your response, you’ll be well on your way to showcasing your problem-solving skills and impressing the interviewer.

In conclusion, responding to Can you give an example of a time when you overcame an obstacle? is all about showcasing your ability to think critically, work creatively, and drive results. By following these strategies and example sentences, you’ll be able to confidently answer this question and demonstrate your value as a candidate. Remember to stay calm, be specific, and highlight your achievements – and you’ll be sure to overcome any obstacle that comes your way!

Be kind ❤