Experience
VIDEO: Tell me about a time you had to manage a project with limited resources
VIDEO: Tell me about a time you had to handle a crisis or emergency
VIDEO: Tell me about a time you had to make an unpopular decision
Interview Question: Making Unpopular Decisions – Answer Examples
Contents
- 1 Tell me about a time you had to make an unpopular decision
- 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 make an unpopular decision – Example answers
- 7 Other Interview Question and Answers
Tell me about a time you had to make an unpopular decision
Other interview questions that are similar
- Can you describe a situation where you went against the majority to implement a change?
- Have you ever had to enforce a policy or decision that was met with resistance?
- Can you recall a moment when you chose a difficult path that others disagreed with?
- What’s an example of a time you stood by your decision despite it being controversial?
- Have you ever led a project or initiative that was initially unpopular?
- Can you share an experience where you had to persuade others to accept an unwelcome decision?
- Describe a time when you had to make a tough call that wasn’t well-received.
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.
When you’re asked about an unpopular decision, you’re essentially being tested on key aspects: your competence, commitment, and compatibility. By detailing the thought process behind your decision, you highlight your competence, showing that you possess the necessary skills and judgment for the role. Discussing the steps you took to implement this decision, despite its unpopularity, demonstrates your commitment and resilience, indicating that you’re someone who will see tasks through to completion. Lastly, explaining how you handled the team’s response or worked to mitigate negative impacts showcases your ability to maintain positive relationships and communicate effectively, reflecting your compatibility with team dynamics and workplace culture. This approach subtly addresses the interviewer’s core concerns, presenting you as a well-rounded candidate.
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? This reveals your values and mindset, directly relating to how you make decisions under pressure, which is crucial for assessing cultural fit and problem-solving approach in the context of an unpopular decision.
S – Situation – What was going on? Briefly explain the scenario that was taking place. – Try not to spend too much time describing the situation. The bulk of your answer needs to be about you and what you did so keep the situation simple to understand and even simpler to describe. Briefly setting the scene demonstrates your ability to distill complex information into essential facts, a skill valuable in making and communicating tough decisions.
T – Task – What was your role in the action? Most of the time it is best that you are taking an active rather than passive role in the encounter. Clarifying your role showcases leadership and responsibility, critical when explaining your involvement in an unpopular decision, highlighting your capability to lead and execute.
A – Activity (or action) – What did you do? Detail the steps you took and why you took them. – This should take up the bulk of your time answering the question. Detailing your actions provides concrete examples of how you apply your skills and judgment to navigate challenges, directly addressing your ability to perform and succeed in difficult situations.
R – Result – How did everything end up? Try to use figures if possible (e.g. we cut costs by $3m, customer satisfaction scores increased 25%, failures reduced to zero, ice cream parties increased ten-fold etc.). Quantifying the outcome of your actions illustrates the tangible impact of your decisions, reinforcing your effectiveness and potential value to the team, especially in the wake of unpopular decisions.
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. Facing it shows your ability to tackle difficult topics head-on, important when making unpopular decisions.
Do not downplay the situation. Acknowledging its seriousness reflects your understanding of the impact of your decisions.
Do not overhype the situation. Staying factual demonstrates your ability to remain objective under pressure.
Do not give a one-sentence answer. Expanding on your thoughts provides insight into your decision-making process.
Do not overly describe the scenario and miss the action. Focusing on your actions illustrates your role in navigating the challenge.
Do not have a passive role in the situation. Highlighting your active participation shows leadership and initiative.
Do not forget to mention what you learned. Sharing lessons learned underscores your capacity for growth and adaptation.
Tell me about a time you had to make an unpopular decision – Example answers
Example Answer 1 (Detailed)
Certainly, I’ve always believed that true leadership sometimes requires making tough decisions that may not be immediately popular but are necessary for long-term success and efficiency.
In my previous role, my team was relying heavily on an outdated process that was comfortable but inefficient, affecting our delivery times and client satisfaction. I believed we needed to adopt a new software that, although initially challenging to learn, would significantly improve our efficiency in the long run.
The situation was that we were consistently missing deadlines, causing frustration among our clients and stress within the team. As the team leader, I was responsible for finding a solution to improve our workflow and ensure client satisfaction.
I decided to implement a new project management software that promised to streamline our processes. I knew this decision would be unpopular due to the learning curve associated with the new system, but I was convinced it was necessary for our team’s growth and success.
To roll out this change, I organized a series of training sessions and created a support system where team members could help each other. I also set up weekly check-ins to address concerns and monitor progress. It was crucial for me to lead by example, so I made sure I was fully versed in the new software, demonstrating its benefits through improved performance on my projects.
The result was remarkable. Within three months, our project delivery time improved by 30%, and client satisfaction scores rose by 20%. Initially resistant team members began to see the value in the change, acknowledging the positive impact on our work. Additionally, the team’s morale improved as we started meeting deadlines with less stress and more confidence.
From this experience, I learned the importance of clear communication and providing adequate support when implementing new processes. It reinforced my belief in being proactive about change and the positive outcomes that can result from making tough decisions.
Example Answer 2 (Shorter)
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.
Other Interview Question and Answers
The Most Popular Interview Questions (YOU WILL BE ASKED THESE QUESTIONS – 100%)
45 Civil Service Interview Question and Answers
Interview Question: Fast-Paced Environments
Interview Question: Persuading Others – Answer Examples
Interview Question: Working With Limited Resources – Answer Examples
Interview Question: Fast-Paced Environments
Contents
- 1 Tell me about a time you worked in a fast-paced environment
- 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 worked in a fast-paced environment – Example answers
- 7 Other Interview Question and Answers
Tell me about a time you worked in a fast-paced environment
Other interview questions that are similar
- Describe an experience where you had to adapt quickly to changes at work.
- How have you managed a high-volume workload within tight deadlines?
- Can you provide an example of when you successfully handled multiple tasks simultaneously?
- Share a situation where you thrived under pressure in a professional setting.
- What strategies do you use to maintain efficiency in rapidly changing work conditions?
- Have you ever been in a scenario where you had to expedite your work process? How did you handle it?
- What’s your approach to staying organized and productive in an environment where priorities often shift?
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.
Given this, when you’re asked about your experience in a fast-paced environment, the interviewer is essentially probing several aspects at once. Primarily, they’re looking to see if you have the resilience and agility (Can you do the job?), the determination to meet deadlines despite the pressure (Will you do the job?), and the ability to remain composed and collaborative when everything around you is moving at a breakneck pace (Will you fit in?).
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? Relating this to the fast-paced environment question, explain how your belief in the importance of adaptability and resilience guided your actions and decisions in such settings.
S – Situation – What was going on? Briefly explain the scenario that was taking place. In the context of the fast-paced environment question, quickly set the scene to focus on how the pace impacted your responsibilities, allowing more room to discuss your response to these conditions.
T – Task – What was your role in the action? Most of the time it is best that you are taking an active rather than passive role in the encounter. For the fast-paced environment question, emphasize how your role was pivotal in navigating the challenges presented by the pace, underlining your direct involvement in managing or leading the situation.
A – Activity (or action) – What did you do? Detail the steps you took and why you took them. When answering about a fast-paced environment, detail your actions that demonstrate your ability to prioritize, multitask, and deliver results under pressure, showcasing your direct contribution to handling the pace effectively.
R – Result – How did everything end up? Try to use figures if possible (e.g. we cut costs by $3m, customer satisfaction scores increased 25%, failures reduced to zero, ice cream parties increased ten-fold etc.). In answering about a fast-paced environment, connect the outcomes directly to your actions, quantifying your impact on the team or project’s success, to clearly illustrate your ability to thrive and drive results in such settings.
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 – Addressing it shows you can handle fast-paced work environments.
Do not downplay the situation – This undercuts your ability to showcase resilience and adaptability.
Do not overhype the situation – Stay credible to demonstrate genuine experience in fast-paced settings.
Do not give a one-sentence answer – Expanding provides a clearer picture of your capabilities and actions.
Do not overly describe the scenario and miss the action – Focus on your actions to highlight how you manage in fast-paced environments.
Do not have a passive role in the situation – Active involvement showcases your initiative and leadership under pressure.
Do not forget to mention what you learned – Sharing insights shows growth and how you apply lessons in dynamic environments.
Tell me about a time you worked in a fast-paced environment – Example answers
Example Answer 1 (Detailed)
In my previous role at a tech startup, we were on the verge of launching a new product. I firmly believed that staying proactive and adaptable was key to navigating the fast-paced environment we were in.
As the launch date approached, we faced unexpected technical issues that threatened to delay our timeline. The situation was tense, with the team working around the clock to resolve these issues.
As the project manager, my task was not only to coordinate the resolution efforts but also to keep the team motivated and focused. I took an active role in strategizing our approach, dividing the team into smaller task forces, each focusing on different aspects of the problem.
I personally led the team responsible for the most critical bug, conducting daily stand-ups to track our progress and adjust our strategies as needed. I also facilitated communication between the task forces to ensure that we were all aligned and could lend support to each other where necessary.
Our hard work paid off. Not only did we manage to fix all critical issues in time, but we also improved our product’s performance, leading to a successful launch. The product received positive feedback from early users, and we saw a 40% increase in user engagement in the first month post-launch. This experience taught me the importance of leadership, flexibility, and clear communication in high-pressure situations. It underscored the value of a cohesive team effort in overcoming challenges and achieving our goals.
Example Answer 2 (Shorter)
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.
Other Interview Question and Answers
The Most Popular Interview Questions (YOU WILL BE ASKED THESE QUESTIONS – 100%)
45 Civil Service Interview Question and Answers
Interview Question: Persuading Others – Answer Examples
Interview Question: Working With Limited Resources – Answer Examples
VIDEO – Tell me about a time you had a conflict at work and how you resolved it – Interview Advice
VIDEO: Tell me about a time you set a goal and achieved it.
Interview Question: Persuading Others – Answer Examples
Contents
- 1 Tell me about a time when you had to persuade others
- 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 when you had to persuade others – Example answers
- 7 Other Interview Question and Answers
Tell me about a time when you had to persuade others
Other interview questions that are similar
- Describe an instance where you successfully convinced a team to adopt a new approach.
- Can you share an experience where you had to change someone’s mind about an important decision?
- Tell us about a situation where you had to use your communication skills to gain support for an idea.
- Recall a time when you faced resistance to your proposal and how you overcame it.
- Provide an example of when you had to advocate for a project or initiative to skeptical stakeholders.
- Describe a scenario where you had to influence others to achieve a common goal.
- Share an experience where you had to negotiate with others to reach a beneficial outcome.
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.
When an interviewer asks you to tell about a time when you had to persuade others, they’re not just interested in your storytelling skills. They’re peeling back the layers to see how you operate under pressure, your ability to navigate interpersonal dynamics, and, most importantly, how you drive results—ticking off boxes for all three core areas they’re probing into. Your response provides a window into your practical application of skills and experience (Can you do the job?), showcases your motivation and determination in overcoming obstacles (Will you do the job?), and offers insight into your communication style and ability to work with others (Will you fit in?).
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? By sharing your belief, you demonstrate your values and how they align with your actions, crucial for showing how you can fit into the company culture and motivate yourself towards achieving goals.
S – Situation – What was going on? Briefly explain the scenario that was taking place. – Try not to spend too much time describing the situation. The bulk of your answer needs to be about you and what you did so keep the situation simple to understand and even simpler to describe. This approach ensures the focus remains on your capabilities and actions, highlighting your ability to identify and respond effectively to workplace challenges.
T – Task – What was your role in the action? Most of the time it is best that you are taking an active rather than passive role in the encounter. By emphasizing your active role, you underscore your readiness to take on responsibilities and your potential to contribute significantly to the team’s success.
A – Activity (or action) – What did you do? Detail the steps you took and why you took them. – This should take up the bulk of your time answering the question. Delving into your actions provides concrete examples of your skills and problem-solving abilities, directly addressing the interviewer’s question of whether you can do the job.
R – Result – How did everything end up? Try to use figures if possible (e.g. we cut costs by $3m, customer satisfaction scores increased 25%, failures reduced to zero, ice cream parties increased ten-fold etc.). Sharing quantifiable outcomes from your actions serves as proof of your effectiveness and ability to deliver results, offering a compelling argument for why you would be a valuable asset to the team.
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 – This makes it look like you’re hiding something or lack experience.
Do not downplay the situation – It’s important to show the challenge you faced to highlight your problem-solving skills.
Do not overhype the situation – Stay truthful to maintain credibility.
Do not give a one-sentence answer – Expanding on your answer gives a fuller picture of your capabilities.
Do not overly describe the scenario and miss the action – Focus on what you did and the results you achieved.
Do not have a passive role in the situation – Showcasing your active involvement highlights your initiative and leadership.
Do not forget to mention what you learned – This demonstrates your ability to grow and adapt from experiences.
Tell me about a time when you had to persuade others – Example answers
Example Answer 1 (Detailed)
In my previous role as a project manager, I truly believed in the power of transparency and open communication to resolve conflicts and push projects forward. This belief was put to the test when we encountered significant delays in a critical project phase due to misaligned expectations with one of our key stakeholders.
The situation arose during the final stages of a software development project. Our team was behind schedule, and tensions were high. The stakeholder was pressing for features that were not originally scoped, threatening the project’s deadline and budget.
As the project manager, my task was to negotiate a solution that would satisfy the stakeholder without compromising the project’s quality or timeline. I took an active role in addressing this challenge by first understanding the stakeholder’s demands in-depth and then working closely with my team to evaluate our capacity to incorporate the requested changes.
I organized a series of meetings between the stakeholder and our technical team to clarify the project’s objectives and limitations. We explored alternative solutions that could meet the stakeholder’s needs without derailing the project. Through these discussions, we were able to agree on a modified set of features that were feasible within the existing timeline and budget.
The result was a win-win situation: we implemented the revised features, which increased the project’s value to the client without compromising on quality or exceeding our budget. Ultimately, the project was completed on time, and the stakeholder’s satisfaction led to a 20% increase in future business with them.
This experience taught me the importance of empathy, negotiation, and creative problem-solving in project management. It reinforced my belief in facing challenges head-on and finding solutions that align with the project’s goals and stakeholders’ expectations.
Example Answer 2 (Shorter)
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.
Other Interview Question and Answers
The Most Popular Interview Questions (YOU WILL BE ASKED THESE QUESTIONS – 100%)
45 Civil Service Interview Question and Answers
Interview Question: Working With Limited Resources – Answer Examples
Contents
- 1 Tell me about a time you had to manage a project with limited resources
- 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 manage a project with limited resources – Example answers
- 7 Other Interview Question and Answers
Tell me about a time you had to manage a project with limited resources
Other interview questions that are similar
Can you describe an instance where you successfully completed a project under a tight budget?
How have you navigated a situation where you had to deliver a project with scarce manpower?
What strategies have you used to overcome constraints in resources while leading a project?
Could you share an experience where you had to innovate due to resource limitations on a project?
What’s an example of a time when you had to prioritize project tasks due to limited resources?
How did you handle a project where unexpected resource shortages arose?
Can you talk about a project you managed that required stretching limited resources to meet project goals?
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.
When you talk about managing a project with limited resources, you’re showing you’ve got the skills (you know how to get things done), you’re motivated (you’re not the type to give up when things get tough), and you’re a team player (you can work well with others, even in a crunch). Keep it straightforward: what the challenge was, how you handled it, and what the outcome was. This hits all three points they’re looking for without any fluff.
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? This belief shapes how you approached managing a project with limited resources, highlighting your mindset and problem-solving attitude.
S – Situation – What was going on? Briefly explain the scenario that was taking place. – Try not to spend too much time describing the situation. The bulk of your answer needs to be about you and what you did so keep the situation simple to understand and even simpler to describe. This brief backdrop sets the stage for showcasing your resourcefulness and leadership in tight circumstances during the interview.
T – Task – What was your role in the action? Most of the time it is best that you are taking an active rather than passive role in the encounter. Your active role demonstrates your capability and direct involvement in addressing challenges with limited resources.
A – Activity (or action) – What did you do? Detail the steps you took and why you took them. – This should take up the bulk of your time answering the question. Explaining your actions provides concrete examples of your skills and adaptability, which are crucial for the job you’re interviewing for.
R – Result – How did everything end up? Try to use figures if possible (e.g. we cut costs by $3m, customer satisfaction scores increased 25%, failures reduced to zero, ice cream parties increased ten-fold etc.). This outcome demonstrates your effectiveness in managing projects with limited resources, offering tangible proof of your impact, which is what interviewers are looking to understand.
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. Answer it directly to show you can tackle challenges head-on.
Do not downplay the situation. It’s important to acknowledge the difficulty to highlight your problem-solving skills.
Do not overhype the situation. Keep it realistic to show you can assess and handle challenges accurately.
Do not give a one-sentence answer. Expand to show your thought process and actions clearly.
Do not overly describe the scenario and miss the action. Focus on what you did to resolve it, showing your active contribution.
Do not have a passive role in the situation. Highlight your leadership and initiative to demonstrate your impact.
Do not forget to mention what you learned. This shows growth and the ability to adapt from experiences.
Tell me about a time you had to manage a project with limited resources – Example answers
Example Answer 1
I’ve always believed in making the most of what we have, especially in challenging situations. On one project, we faced severe budget cuts halfway through, which threatened to derail our progress. The situation required quick thinking and effective resource management to keep the project on track without compromising the quality of our deliverables.
As the project manager, my task was to reassess our priorities and reallocate resources to ensure the most critical aspects of the project could proceed. I led a series of brainstorming sessions with the team to identify cost-saving measures and alternative strategies. We agreed to focus on the core functionalities that were crucial for the project’s success, postponing less critical features.
I took several actions to address this challenge. Firstly, I negotiated with vendors for better rates and sought out more cost-effective alternatives for some of our materials. I also restructured the team’s workload to maximize efficiency, implementing a more agile workflow that allowed us to adapt quickly to these new constraints. Additionally, I fostered a culture of open communication, encouraging the team to share ideas and solutions that could help us overcome our limitations.
The result was a success. Despite the budget cuts, we delivered the project on time and within the new budget constraints. Our strategic focus on core functionalities not only saved costs but also ensured the product met the highest standards of quality. Ultimately, the project achieved a 20% reduction in expected expenses without sacrificing the end goal. This experience taught me the importance of flexibility, strategic planning, and the power of a collaborative team effort. It was a clear demonstration of how effective leadership and a positive attitude towards challenges can turn potential setbacks into victories.
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.
Other Interview Question and Answers
The Most Popular Interview Questions (YOU WILL BE ASKED THESE QUESTIONS – 100%)
45 Civil Service Interview Question and Answers