What is the purpose of problem-solving questions during an interview, and how should you use them?

• A. To test memory for facts.
• B. To uncover underlying causes or motives; use open-ended questions and reflective listening.
• C. To verify facts with yes-or-no answers.
• D. To evaluate physical fitness.

Answer: (B)

The purpose of problem-solving questions is to uncover underlying causes or motives behind a situation by having you explain your reasoning and approach. When using them in an interview, ask open-ended prompts that require more than a yes-or-no reply, such as describing the steps you would take to analyze a problem or decide on a course of action. As you respond, the interviewer should use reflective listening—paraphrasing what you said, asking clarifying questions, and probing for deeper reasons—so they can see not only what you would do, but why you would do it and what motivates your decisions. This approach reveals your critical thinking, problem-solving process, and integrity, rather than just recalling facts. In contrast, questions focused on memory, simple verification, or unrelated areas like physical fitness don’t illuminate how you think or why you would act in real situations.