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Interview Question: Learn Something New Quickly – Answer Tips

January 19, 2024 by Mike Jacobsen

Tell me about a time you had to learn something new quickly

Watch the video or continue below for the full written article

Contents

  • 1 Tell me about a time you had to learn something new quickly
  • 2 Other interview questions that are similar
  • 3 What the interviewer is looking for by asking this question
  • 4 How best to structure your answer to this question
  • 5 What you should NOT do when answering questions
  • 6 Tell me about a time you had to learn something new quickly – Example answers
    • 6.1 Example Answer 1
    • 6.2 Example Answer 2
    • 6.3 More Sample Answers…
  • 7 Other Interview Question and Answers

Other interview questions that are similar

  1. Describe an instance where you adapted to a new technology or tool in a short time frame.
  2. Can you recall a situation where you had to assimilate new information rapidly for a project or task?
  3. Share an experience where you were required to develop a new skill under tight deadlines.
  4. Reflect on a moment when you had to become proficient in a unfamiliar subject area promptly.
  5. Talk about a time when you had to understand and apply new concepts for an urgent assignment.
  6. Recall an occasion where you had to master a new method or process quickly for work or a personal project.
  7. Describe a scenario where you were challenged to learn and implement a new strategy or technique in a limited time period.

What the interviewer is looking for by asking this question

There are probably an infinite number of questions that the interviewer could ask you on the day. Some questions are incredibly common appearing in almost every interview you will have, while other questions you might hear once and never again regardless of how many jobs you apply for.

Fundamentally though all interview questions are really trying to find out one of 3 things:

1 – Can you do the job? (Do you have the skills/experience needed?)
2 – Will you do the job? (Do you have the drive/motivation to get the job done?)
3 – Will you fit in? (Does your personality match the workplace culture? Are you likeable?)

That’s it. Those are the 3 things that the interviewer is trying to ascertain. Every question that is asked of you will fundamentally be trying to resolve one (or more) of these 3 things.


Understanding this, when faced with a question like, “Tell me about a time you had to learn something new quickly,” it’s an opportunity to showcase not just your ability to learn (point 1), but also your motivation and adaptability (point 2). This question is designed to see how you handle challenges and unfamiliar situations. Your response should highlight your quick learning curve and readiness to take on new tasks, which speaks volumes about your work ethic and enthusiasm.

For example, describing a scenario where you were required to learn a new software program before a major project deadline demonstrates your capability to adapt to new tools (a skill necessary for the job), while also showing your commitment to meeting deadlines (your drive to get the job done). It subtly reassures the interviewer that you’re not just capable of doing the job, but also willing to go the extra mile when required. This approach to the question not only answers their underlying concerns but also presents you as a dynamic and proactive candidate, a trait that’s beneficial in any workplace culture.

How best to structure your answer to this question

Unless the question you are asked is a straight ‘up or down / yes or no’ style question then you are going to need to learn to describe, expand and elaborate on your answers. The best way of doing this is to follow the B-STAR technique for answering interview questions.

Answers using this method follow the below structure:

B – Belief – What are your thoughts and feelings with regard to the subject matter? In relation to learning something new quickly, this reflects your attitude towards challenges and adaptability, crucial traits the interviewer is assessing.

S – Situation – What was going on? Briefly explain the scenario that was taking place. Keep it succinct; the interviewer is more interested in how you respond to rapid learning demands than the details of the situation itself.

T – Task – What was your role in the action? Emphasize your proactive role, as this showcases your capability and willingness to take on essential responsibilities, directly addressing the interviewer’s concerns about your ability to do the job.

A – Activity (or action) – What did you do? Detail the steps you took and why you took them. This is your chance to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and initiative, key factors in determining your ability to learn and adapt, which are vital for the role you’re interviewing for.

R – Result – How did everything end up? Quantifiable results here can powerfully illustrate your effectiveness in quickly learning and applying new skills, directly addressing the interviewer’s interest in your practical abilities and outcomes.

Remember though that the B-STAR technique is descriptive not prescriptive. You do not need to follow this flow strictly, go with what is best for your answers and that will allow you to put your point across and show your experience the best.

What you should NOT do when answering questions

Do not avoid the question by talking about unrelated experiences.

Do not describe a failure without highlighting what you learned or how you improved.

Do not downplay the urgency or importance of learning quickly.

Do not overhype the situation to the point it seems unbelievable.

Do not say you have no experience with learning new things quickly.

Do not reject the premise of the question by stating you’ve never had to learn something quickly.

Do not focus solely on the challenge without explaining your actions and the results.

Tell me about a time you had to learn something new quickly – Example answers

Example Answer 1

Believing strongly that adaptability and continuous learning are the keys to growing both personally and professionally, I was presented with a significant challenge in my previous role as a marketing analyst when our team switched to a new advanced analytics platform, right before a major product launch.

The situation was critical as the new software was essential for analyzing market trends and consumer behavior, and we were just a month away from the launch of a major product. My role involved generating crucial insights from this software to inform our marketing strategy.

To tackle this task, I immersed myself in learning the new platform. This meant spending additional hours after work going through tutorial videos and manuals. Realizing the importance of practical experience, I also sought hands-on guidance from a colleague who was familiar with similar tools. I spent time experimenting with different features, applying them to our current project to ensure I was not only learning but also applying the knowledge effectively.

Through this rigorous approach, I was able to quickly master the necessary features of the software. My efficient and accurate analysis directly contributed to the campaign’s success, resulting in a 20% increase in targeted customer engagement. This experience solidified my belief that being open to and capable of rapid learning is crucial in today’s fast-paced work environment.

This scenario exemplifies my commitment to continuous improvement and my ability to swiftly adapt to new challenges, qualities I believe are essential for the role I am interviewing for.

Example Answer 2

More Sample Answers…

The examples provided above can serve as a foundation for creating your unique answers. For additional inspiration, our new guide includes five sample responses to this question and over 250 answers to all of the most common interview queries.

Check out “INTERVIEW SUCCESS: How to answer the Most Popular Interview Questions (with over 250 sample answers!)”

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Filed Under: Experience, Interview Questions

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