What is the hiring manager looking for?

This interview question helps the hiring manager evaluate your technical problem-solving skills, your ability to remain calm under pressure, and your resourcefulness.

How to structure your answer

1. Describe the Situation: STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
* Share a detailed overview of the technical issue you encountered, providing context and setting the scene.
* Clearly state your task or role in the situation.

2. Explain the Problem and Your Actions:
* Elaborate on the technical aspects of the problem, explaining the symptoms and impact.
* Describe the specific steps you took to troubleshoot the issue, emphasizing your analytical and methodical approach.
* Highlight any resources you utilized and your ability to collaborate effectively.

3. Share the Outcome and Results:
* Detail the successful resolution of the critical technical issue.
* Quantify the positive impact of your actions, focusing on metrics or tangible improvements.
* If applicable, mention positive feedback or recognition you received for your efforts.

4. Reflect and Learn:
* Conclude by discussing what you learned from the experience.
* Share any insights gained or changes made to improve your future approach to problem-solving.
* Emphasize your commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

Tips to answer this interview question

Tips:
* Choose a technical challenge that required critical thinking and initiative.
* Clearly articulate the technical aspects of the situation and your actions.
* Be specific about the outcome and highlight the positive results.
* Show enthusiasm and a passion for resolving technical issues.
* Display a growth mindset and emphasize your commitment to learning from challenges.

Things to Avoid:
* Selecting an example that involved a simple routine task.
* Being vague about the technical details or the steps you took.
* Failing to demonstrate the impact of your actions or convey the urgency of the situation.
* Focusing on failures or instances where the issue remained unresolved.

Example interview answers to this question

Example 1:
“During an important system upgrade, our primary database server experienced a sudden performance degradation. As the lead software engineer, I took immediate action to analyze the issue. I ran diagnostic tests, analyzed logs, and identified a problem with a critical software module. I collaborated with the development team to swiftly implement a hotfix, and within an hour, the system was fully operational again. This prompt resolution prevented potential data loss and ensured business continuity.”
Strong Points:
* Demonstrate skills under pressure.
* Show technical expertise and collaboration.
* Highlights positive impact on business operations.

Example 2:
“As a network engineer, I encountered a complex network issue that affected multiple departments across the company. I meticulously analyzed network logs and performed extensive troubleshooting to pinpoint the root cause – a faulty network switch. I worked closely with the vendor to acquire a replacement switch and coordinated a smooth switch replacement without disrupting ongoing operations. The issue was resolved, and network connectivity was fully restored within a few hours.”
Strong Points:
* Show strong problem-solving ability.
* Highlight collaboration and effective communication.
* Demonstrate a commitment to minimizing business disruption.