Experience
Interview Question: Showing Initiative – Answer Examples
Contents
- 1 Tell me about a time when you showed initiative
- 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 showed initiative – Example answers
- 7 Other Interview Question and Answers
Tell me about a time when you showed initiative
Other interview questions that are similar
- Describe an instance where you identified a problem and took steps to resolve it without being asked.
- Can you recall a situation where you went beyond your job responsibilities to achieve a goal?
- Share an example of a time when you proactively implemented a new process or idea in your work.
- Discuss a moment when you took the lead on a project without formal authority.
- Tell me about a time when you anticipated potential challenges and took preemptive action.
- Describe an occasion where you independently developed a solution to improve efficiency or effectiveness in your role.
- Can you provide an example of when you identified an opportunity for improvement and pursued it without direct instruction?
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.
The question “Tell me about a time when you showed initiative” checks mainly on two things: your skills (can you do the job?) and your motivation (will you do the job?). By sharing a specific example, you show you have the skills to identify and solve problems and the drive to take action without being asked. Keep your answer focused on demonstrating these qualities.
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 allows you to convey your mindset and enthusiasm, showing the interviewer your internal motivation and initiative in facing challenges.
S – Situation – What was going on? Briefly explain the scenario that was taking place. Quickly setting the scene here helps the interviewer understand the context in which you demonstrated initiative.
T – Task – What was your role in the action? Explaining your specific role is key to highlighting your ability to take initiative within your responsibilities.
A – Activity (or action) – What did you do? Detail the steps you took and why you took them. This section showcases your problem-solving skills and proactive approach, directly answering how you demonstrate initiative.
R – Result – How did everything end up? By quantifying the outcome, you provide concrete evidence of your effectiveness and initiative in action.
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 – directly address how you showed initiative.
Do not downplay the situation – highlight its relevance to demonstrating your initiative.
Do not overhype the situation – be realistic to show genuine initiative.
Do not give a one-sentence answer – elaborate sufficiently to showcase your initiative.
Do not overly describe the scenario and miss the action – focus on your initiative in the action taken.
Do not have a passive role in the situation – emphasize your active role in showing initiative.
Do not forget to mention what you learned – relate it back to how it enhanced your ability to take initiative.
Tell me about a time when you showed initiative – Example answers
Example Answer 1 (Detailed)
“In my previous role as a project coordinator, we faced a sudden challenge when a critical supplier went bankrupt. This posed a serious risk to our project’s deadline.
I immediately assessed the situation, understanding the urgency to find a new supplier. I didn’t just look for a replacement; I aimed for an upgrade. I compiled a list of potential suppliers and analyzed them against our requirements, focusing on cost, quality, delivery times, and reliability.
I initiated contact with the top three suppliers within hours, setting up meetings to negotiate terms. I presented our project details, negotiated costs, and managed to secure favorable payment terms due to the urgency and volume of our order. To ensure smooth integration, I arranged for sample materials to be sent over for quality checks.
Furthermore, I coordinated with our team to adjust our workflow. This involved redistributing tasks, setting up extra shifts, and organizing brief training sessions to familiarize the team with the new materials.
The detailed actions paid off significantly. We secured a reliable supplier who not only met our immediate needs but also offered better terms than our previous supplier. Our project was completed on time, with a 5% cost reduction. This experience reinforced my belief in thorough, proactive problem-solving and the value of swift, decisive action in crisis situations.”
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: Crisis Management – Answer Examples
Interview Question: Working Independently – Answer Examples
Interview Question: Goal Setting – Answer Tips
Interview Question: Crisis Management – Answer Examples
Contents
- 1 Tell me about a time you had to handle a crisis or emergency
- 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 handle a crisis or emergency – Example answers
- 7 Other Interview Question and Answers
Tell me about a time you had to handle a crisis or emergency
Other interview questions that are similar
- Describe an instance where you had to quickly adapt to an unexpected situation.
- Can you recall a moment where you took the lead during a high-pressure scenario?
- Share an experience where you effectively managed a difficult or urgent problem.
- What’s an example of a time when you had to make critical decisions under stress?
- Discuss a situation where you had to act swiftly to prevent a potential disaster.
- Tell me about a challenging event that required your immediate attention and resolution.
- Describe a scenario where you successfully navigated through a sudden, high-stakes challenge.
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 asked about handling a crisis or emergency in an interview, it’s a chance to showcase your problem-solving skills (Can you do the job?), your ability to stay driven under pressure (Will you do the job?), and how well you work with others during tough times (Will you fit in?). This question is a straightforward way for the interviewer to gauge these three key areas with a single, real-world example. Keep your answer focused and concise, highlighting these aspects.
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 an interview, this helps reveal your mindset and emotional intelligence during a crisis, showing how you perceive and handle challenging situations.
S – Situation – What was going on? Briefly explain the scenario that was taking place. In your interview, quickly setting the scene of the crisis helps the interviewer understand the context of your actions and 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. In the interview context, this demonstrates your level of responsibility and initiative during critical moments.
A – Activity (or action) – What did you do? Detail the steps you took and why you took them. In an interview, this is your opportunity to highlight specific skills and competencies that you applied to manage the crisis effectively.
R – Result – How did everything end up? Try to use figures if possible. Sharing quantifiable outcomes in an interview shows the tangible impact of your actions and underlines your ability to contribute positively in emergency situations.
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 your ability to confront challenges head-on.
Do not downplay the situation – Acknowledge its severity to demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
Do not overhype the situation – Stay realistic to showcase your level-headedness in crises.
Do not give a one-sentence answer – Elaborate to effectively highlight your role and actions.
Do not overly describe the scenario and miss the action – Focus on your actions to illustrate your competency.
Do not have a passive role in the situation – Active involvement indicates your initiative and leadership qualities.
Do not forget to mention what you learned – This reflects your capacity for growth and adaptation.
Tell me about a time you had to handle a crisis or emergency – Example answers
Example Answer 1 (Detailed)
“In my experience, staying calm and strategic during a crisis is crucial. At Tech Solutions, as the project manager, I faced a major crisis when, a week before our flagship software’s launch, we found a severe security flaw that could compromise user data.
My immediate role was to lead the response to this critical issue. I organized an emergency meeting with our tech team to assess the severity and develop a fix. We identified the root cause as a vulnerability in our encryption algorithm. I assigned our top developers to address this while I coordinated with the QA team to rigorously test the fixes.
I took a hands-on approach, regularly checking in on the progress and adjusting resources as needed to ensure we were on track. Beyond the technical fix, I communicated transparently with our clients about the issue and our steps to resolve it, maintaining their trust.
Our team worked tirelessly, and as a result, we not only fixed the bug two days ahead of the deadline but also enhanced the overall security of the software. The successful on-time launch led to a 20% increase in client satisfaction. This incident reinforced the importance of leadership, teamwork, and clear communication in effectively managing a crisis.”
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 Independently – Answer Examples
Interview Question: Goal Setting – Answer Tips
Interview Question: Communicating Bad News – Answer Examples
Interview Question: Working Independently – Answer Examples
Contents
- 1 Tell me about a time when you had to work independently
- 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 work independently – Example answers
- 7 Other Interview Question and Answers
Tell me about a time when you had to work independently
Other interview questions that are similar
- Describe an instance where you had to complete a project on your own.
- Can you share an experience where you were responsible for managing a task without supervision?
- Recall a situation where you had to solve a problem independently.
- Describe a scenario where you had to rely on your own skills and judgment to complete a task.
- Can you discuss a time when you had to plan and execute a project by yourself?
- Tell me about an occasion where you had to take initiative and work alone on a task.
- Recall a moment when you were left to handle responsibilities without any team support.
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 faced with a question like, “Tell me about a time when you had to work independently,” the interviewer is typically seeking to understand your capability and drive – essentially probing aspects of points 1 and 2 from the list above. This question gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your skills and experience (Can you do the job?) by detailing a specific instance where you successfully managed a task or project on your own. It’s a chance to highlight your problem-solving skills, initiative, and ability to work without constant guidance.
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 helps the interviewer understand your perspective and attitude towards working independently, revealing your mindset and approach to solo tasks.
S – Situation – What was going on? Briefly explain the scenario that was taking place. Linking this to the interview question, describe a specific instance where you had to work independently, focusing on the context that required you to take this approach.
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. In your response to the interview question, emphasize your active role in working independently, showcasing how you managed and executed the task on your own.
A – Activity (or action) – What did you do? Detail the steps you took and why you took them. When answering the interview question, delve into the actions you took while working independently, demonstrating your ability to operate effectively without supervision.
R – Result – How did everything end up? Try to use figures if possible. In the context of the interview question, conclude with the outcome of your independent work, using quantifiable results to underscore the effectiveness of your actions.
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 – directly address how you managed working independently.
Do not downplay the situation – acknowledge the challenges you faced while working alone.
Do not overhype the situation – keep the description realistic and relevant to your independent work.
Do not give a one-sentence answer – provide enough detail to show your competence in handling tasks independently.
Do not overly describe the scenario and miss the action – focus on your actions and decisions in the independent task.
Do not have a passive role in the situation – emphasize your active involvement and initiative in working independently.
Do not forget to mention what you learned – highlight the skills or insights gained from the experience of working alone.
Tell me about a time when you had to work independently – Example answers
Example Answer 1 (Detailed)
Belief: “I’ve always believed in the importance of self-reliance and resourcefulness, especially in challenging work situations.”
Situation: “In my previous role as a project coordinator, there was a time when our team was swamped with multiple projects, and I was assigned to handle a key client project solo due to staff shortages.”
Task: “My role was to manage the project from start to finish, which included coordinating with the client, overseeing the project timeline, and handling any issues that arose.”
Activity: “I started by outlining a clear project plan, setting weekly goals, and scheduling regular check-ins with the client to ensure alignment. I utilized digital tools for efficient project tracking and problem-solving. When an unexpected delay occurred due to a supplier issue, I quickly identified an alternative supplier, negotiating a deal that not only kept us on schedule but also reduced costs.”
Result: “The project was completed two weeks ahead of the deadline, under budget by 15%. The client was extremely satisfied, leading to a long-term contract and a 30% increase in customer satisfaction scores for our team. This experience taught me the value of proactive planning and the importance of quick, decisive action in independent work scenarios.”
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: Goal Setting – Answer Tips
Interview Question: Communicating Bad News – Answer Examples
Interview Question: Taking Risks – Answer Examples
Interview Question: Goal Setting – Answer Tips
Contents
- 1 Tell me about a time you set a goal and achieved it
- 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 set a goal and achieved it – Example answers
- 7 Other Interview Question and Answers
Tell me about a time you set a goal and achieved it
Other interview questions that are similar
- Can you describe an instance where you successfully reached a challenging objective?
- What’s an example of a personal target you’ve accomplished recently?
- Have you ever established and fulfilled a significant milestone? If so, how?
- Can you share a story about a time when you met or exceeded a particularly difficult goal?
- What is a memorable achievement you’ve secured after setting a specific goal?
- Can you recount a time when you set an ambitious goal and how you went about achieving it?
- Describe an occasion where you set a goal that required significant effort and how you achieved it.
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.
So, when you’re asked a question like “Tell me about a time you set a goal and achieved it,” the interviewer is looking to gauge your ability and motivation. They want to know if you have the skills and determination to see tasks through. This question leans heavily towards the first two points: Can you do the job? And will you do the job? Your response should showcase not just your ability to set realistic goals but also your commitment to achieving them. This reflects your work ethic and problem-solving skills, which are crucial for most roles.
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 your goal-setting experience, it’s important to convey your confidence and commitment to achieving the objectives you set, demonstrating your capability and drive.
S – Situation – What was going on? Briefly explain the scenario that was taking place. In the context of the goal you achieved, briefly setting the scene helps the interviewer understand the challenges you faced and the context in which you demonstrated your skills.
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. This highlights your ability to take charge and be accountable, showing that you are someone who can and will do the job effectively.
A – Activity (or action) – What did you do? Detail the steps you took and why you took them. This part is crucial for illustrating how you approach and overcome challenges, showcasing the skills and determination you would bring to the role.
R – Result – How did everything end up? Try to use figures if possible. Quantifying your achievements in this way makes your contribution clear and measurable, proving that you can not only do the job but do it with significant, tangible results.
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 – directly address it to show your confidence in your abilities and experiences.
Do not downplay the situation – acknowledge its significance to demonstrate your capability in handling important tasks.
Do not overhype the situation – maintain a realistic view to show your honesty and self-awareness.
Do not give a one-sentence answer – expand on your thoughts to adequately showcase your skills and experiences.
Do not overly describe the scenario and miss the action – focus on your actions to highlight your active role in achieving goals.
Do not have a passive role in the situation – emphasize your involvement to show your initiative and leadership qualities.
Do not forget to mention what you learned – tie in the learning aspect to demonstrate growth and adaptability.
Tell me about a time you set a goal and achieved it – Example answers
Example Answer 1 (Detailed)
“I’ve always believed in setting challenging but achievable goals. In my previous role, our team was tasked with increasing our quarterly sales by 30%. As the team lead, my primary role was to strategize and guide the team towards this goal.
I started by conducting a comprehensive analysis of our past sales performance. This involved identifying our top-selling products and understanding our customer demographics better. Based on these insights, I led the team in a targeted marketing campaign, focusing on social media platforms where our key demographics were most active.
I initiated a series of training sessions for the team, focusing on advanced sales techniques and customer service skills. I personally developed a new sales script, emphasizing the unique selling points of our products. We also revamped our follow-up procedures to ensure better customer engagement post-sale.
To encourage the team, I set up a weekly tracking system to monitor our progress and organized regular meetings for sharing best practices and challenges. This approach fostered a collaborative environment where each team member could contribute ideas and solutions.
The culmination of these actions led to a significant increase in sales. Not only did we achieve the 30% target, but we surpassed it, reaching a 40% increase by quarter’s end. This experience reinforced the value of a data-driven approach and the importance of continuous team development in achieving ambitious 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: Communicating Bad News – Answer Examples
Interview Question: Taking Risks – Answer Examples
Interview Question: Learning from Failure – Answer Examples
VIDEO: Tell me about a time you had to adapt to a major change in an organization
Interview Question: Communicating Bad News – Answer Examples
Contents
- 1 Tell me about a time you had to communicate a difficult message
- 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 communicate a difficult message – Example answers
- 7 Other Interview Question and Answers
Tell me about a time you had to communicate a difficult message
Other interview questions that are similar
- Describe an instance where you had to deliver bad news in a professional setting.
- Recall a situation where you had to explain a complex problem to someone without technical knowledge.
- Can you share an experience where you had to discuss a sensitive issue with a colleague or team member?
- Have you ever had to inform someone about a significant change that negatively impacted them? How did you handle it?
- What approach did you take when you needed to convey disappointing results or setbacks to your superiors?
- Describe a time when you had to persuade a group about a decision they were initially opposed to.
- Can you talk about an occasion where you had to break unexpected or unplanned news to a client or customer?
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 to recall a time you had to communicate a difficult message, the interviewer is likely assessing more than just your communication skills. They’re looking at how you handle challenging situations (point 1 – Can you do the job?), your emotional intelligence and empathy in delivering tough news (point 3 – Will you fit in?), and perhaps your commitment to transparency and integrity in the workplace (point 2 – Will you do the job?).
Your response should therefore highlight these aspects. Focus on explaining the situation briefly, detailing the action you took, and most importantly, reflecting on the outcome or what you learned. This approach shows not only your capability to handle difficult conversations but also your understanding of their impact on team dynamics and workplace culture. Remember, the interviewer is less interested in the situation itself and more in how you navigated it. Keep your answer clear, concise, and relevant to these underlying themes.
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?
- Discussing your beliefs and feelings about delivering a difficult message highlights your personal values and communication style, which are key factors in determining how you will interact with colleagues and handle challenging conversations in the workplace.
S – Situation – What was going on? Briefly explain the scenario that was taking place.
- By concisely describing the situation, you show the interviewer your ability to identify and focus on key issues, a skill essential for effective communication in any role.
T – Task – What was your role in the action?
- Clarifying your role in a challenging situation helps the interviewer understand your level of responsibility and initiative, reflecting on your capability to handle similar tasks in the job.
A – Activity (or action) – What did you do?
- Detailing the actions you took and the rationale behind them gives the interviewer insight into your problem-solving and decision-making skills, which are integral to performing the job effectively.
R – Result – How did everything end up?
- Sharing the outcome, especially with quantifiable results, provides concrete evidence of your effectiveness in handling difficult situations, which is a valuable trait in any job role.
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 – Give a clear example of when you had to communicate a difficult message.
Do not downplay the situation – Show the importance and challenge of the message you had to deliver.
Do not overhype the situation – Be realistic about the difficulty to demonstrate your level-headed approach.
Do not give a one-sentence answer – Provide enough detail to clearly convey your role and actions.
Do not overly describe the scenario and miss the action – Focus on your specific actions in communicating the difficult message.
Do not have a passive role in the situation – Highlight your active role in managing and delivering the message.
Do not forget to mention what you learned – Conclude with what the experience taught you about communication or handling difficult situations.
Tell me about a time you had to communicate a difficult message – Example answers
Example Answer 1 (Detailed)
“In my previous role as a team leader, I strongly believed in transparency and honesty, especially when it came to challenging news. There was a situation where our team was behind schedule on a major project due to unforeseen technical difficulties. My task was to inform the client about the delay, a responsibility I took very seriously.
I carefully planned my approach. First, I gathered all the relevant information about the delay, ensuring I understood the technical issues and the estimated time needed to resolve them. Then, I arranged a meeting with the client, opting for a face-to-face discussion rather than an email or phone call, as I felt it was more respectful and effective for such sensitive conversations.
During the meeting, I was upfront about the situation, explaining the technical challenges we faced and how they impacted the timeline. I emphasized our commitment to quality and our plan to resolve the issues without compromising the project’s standards. To mitigate the impact of the delay, I proposed a revised timeline and offered additional support in other areas of the project as a gesture of goodwill.
The client appreciated the honesty and the proactive steps we took. While initially disappointed, they were understanding and agreed to the new timeline. The situation resulted in a delay of two weeks, but we managed to maintain client trust and satisfaction. We ultimately delivered a high-quality project, and the client commended our team’s dedication and transparency.
This experience reinforced the importance of clear and empathetic communication, especially in difficult circumstances. It taught me that being proactive and solutions-oriented in conveying bad news can preserve and even strengthen professional relationships.”
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
VIDEO: Tell me about a time you made a mistake and how you handled it
Interview Question: Taking Risks – Answer Examples
Contents
- 1 Tell me about a time you took a risk and how it turned out
- 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 took a risk and how it turned out – Example answers
- 7 Other Interview Question and Answers
Tell me about a time you took a risk and how it turned out
Other interview questions that are similar
- Can you describe a situation where you stepped out of your comfort zone and what happened as a result?
- Share an example of a decision you made that involved uncertainty, and what was the outcome?
- Discuss a time when you embraced change or uncertainty, and what were the consequences?
- Can you recount an instance when you made a bold choice, and how did it impact your life or career?
- Describe a moment when you decided to pursue an opportunity with potential risks, and what were the results?
- Tell me about a time you ventured into a new project or venture despite uncertainties, and what did you learn from it?
- Share an experience where you faced a challenging decision that required taking a chance, and what did you gain from that experience?
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 faced with the question, “Tell me about a time you took a risk and how it turned out,” your answer can cleverly address all three key areas interviewers are interested in. Let’s say you discuss a time when you proposed a new, untested marketing strategy at your previous job. This shows that you have the skills and experience to innovate (Can you do the job?), the drive to take calculated risks for potential gains (Will you do the job?), and the ability to adapt and think creatively, which could be a good cultural fit for many companies (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? This relates to your personal conviction in taking a risk, crucial for the interviewer to understand your decision-making process and confidence in your actions.
S – Situation – What was going on? Briefly explain the scenario that was taking place. This sets the context for the risk taken, providing the interviewer with background information to evaluate the necessity and impact of your actions.
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. This illustrates your direct involvement and leadership in the situation, which is key for the interviewer to assess your initiative and responsibility levels.
A – Activity (or action) – What did you do? Detail the steps you took and why you took them. Explaining your specific actions gives the interviewer insight into your problem-solving and strategic thinking skills, as well as your ability to execute plans effectively.
R – Result – How did everything end up? Try to use figures if possible. Providing measurable outcomes helps the interviewer gauge the effectiveness of your actions and understand the tangible impact you had, which is essential in evaluating your potential contribution to their organization.
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;
Do not downplay the risk taken;
Do not overhype the outcome;
Do not have a passive role in the situation;
Do not focus only on the situation, neglecting your actions and their impact;
Do not provide vague or non-quantifiable results;
Do not fail to reflect on what you learned from the experience.
Tell me about a time you took a risk and how it turned out – Example answers
Example Answer 1 (Detailed)
“I’ve always believed that to stay competitive, it’s vital to be open to new ideas, even if they seem risky at first. In my previous role as a project manager, our team faced a major challenge. We were working on a product launch, but the traditional marketing strategies weren’t creating the buzz we needed. Recognizing this, I proposed a bold move: shifting our entire campaign to focus on digital and social media platforms, targeting a younger audience. This was a significant departure from our usual methods.
As the lead on this project, my task was not only to convince the management of the potential benefits but also to oversee the campaign’s execution. I conducted thorough research on digital marketing trends, presented a comprehensive plan to the management, and once approved, led a small team to implement it.
My action plan involved collaborating with influencers, creating interactive online content, and leveraging analytics to refine our approach in real-time. I ensured that each team member had clear responsibilities and we maintained open communication throughout the process to quickly address any challenges.
The results were remarkable. Within six months, our online engagement rates had increased by 35%, and the product launch saw a 50% higher turnout than any previous launches. Additionally, the campaign’s success led to a long-term shift in our marketing strategy. This experience taught me the value of embracing change and the importance of a well-coordinated team effort in turning risks into opportunities.”
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.
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