You're vying for a facilitation role. How can you showcase your problem-solving prowess in a job interview?

1 Know Your Stuff

Before you step into the interview room, make sure you're well-versed in various problem-solving methodologies like the 5 Whys or the Fishbone Diagram. Being able to discuss these techniques confidently shows that you have a toolkit ready to tackle any issue. Explain how you've used these methods in past experiences to guide a group to a solution, and be prepared to adapt these examples to potential scenarios provided by the interviewer. This not only demonstrates your knowledge but also your ability to apply it in real-world situations.

2 Share Stories

Narratives are powerful. Share compelling stories from your past facilitation experiences where you effectively solved problems. Articulate the context, the challenge, the actions you took, and the outcomes. This STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique helps interviewers visualize your problem-solving process and understand the impact of your actions. It's not just about the problem solved but how you engaged the group and what everyone learned from the experience.

3 Active Listening

Active listening is a critical skill for facilitators. In the interview, practice active listening by paying close attention to the interviewer's questions and responding thoughtfully. Reflect their concerns or queries back to them to show understanding before providing your answer. This mirrors the facilitation process where understanding group members' points of view is essential for effective problem-solving. It also subtly demonstrates your listening skills in action.

4 Think Aloud

During problem-solving exercises, think aloud to walk the interviewer through your thought process. This can include asking clarifying questions, discussing potential obstacles, and weighing different solutions. It's an opportunity to showcase your analytical thinking and how you involve others in the problem-solving process. By verbalizing your thoughts, you're giving a live demonstration of how you dissect and approach complex issues.

5 Be Adaptive

Highlight your adaptability by discussing how you've handled unexpected challenges or changes during facilitation. Describe how you remained composed and led the group to pivot and find new solutions. Interviewers look for candidates who can manage uncertainty and still drive a group toward its goals. Your ability to adapt and maintain control of a situation is a strong indicator of your facilitation and problem-solving capabilities.

6 Reflect & Learn

Finally, discuss how you reflect on past facilitation experiences to learn and improve. Describe specific instances where you analyzed what went well and what didn't, and how you applied these insights to enhance your future facilitation practice. This continuous learning approach shows that you're not just solving problems for the short term but are committed to evolving your skills for long-term success and group development.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?