Tell me about a time when you had to make a quick and practical decision.

Sample answer to the question

One time, while working as a press secretary for a non-profit organization, we experienced a sudden crisis when a scandal involving the CEO broke out in the media. With limited time to respond, I had to make a quick and practical decision on how to address the situation. I immediately gathered all the relevant information and consulted with the organization's leadership team to develop a crisis communication strategy. We decided to issue a press release acknowledging the situation, expressing our commitment to transparency, and outlining the steps we were taking to address the issue. Additionally, I coordinated with the CEO to provide a statement and prepared key messages for media interviews. This allowed us to take control of the narrative and demonstrate the organization's commitment to resolving the situation. The decision to act swiftly and decisively helped to maintain public trust and mitigate further damage to the organization's reputation.

A more solid answer

In my role as a press secretary for a high-profile government agency, I encountered a time-sensitive situation when a breaking news story threatened to undermine the agency's reputation. It was crucial to make a quick and practical decision to prevent any further damage. I immediately gathered a crisis communications team, consisting of key stakeholders from various departments, to assess the situation and devise a strategy. We conducted a thorough analysis of the issue and its potential impact, considering both short-term and long-term consequences. Based on this analysis, we crafted a concise and carefully-worded statement that addressed the concerns raised by the news story while emphasizing the agency's commitment to transparency and its ongoing efforts to address the issue. We also prepared key talking points and coached agency spokespersons on how to effectively respond to media inquiries. This decisive action enabled us to swiftly regain control of the narrative and minimize negative publicity.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer expands on the basic answer by providing more details about the candidate's experience as a press secretary. It demonstrates their ability to think strategically, exercise solid judgment, and effectively respond to crisis situations.

An exceptional answer

As a press secretary for a multinational corporation, I encountered a situation where we faced a sudden and unexpected product recall due to safety concerns. This required me to make a quick and practical decision to protect the company's reputation and maintain customer trust. I immediately initiated a crisis response team consisting of representatives from different departments, including legal, communications, and operations. We conducted a thorough investigation to gather all the necessary information and analyze the potential impact of the recall. Based on our findings, we developed a comprehensive communication plan that included a press release outlining the steps the company was taking to address the issue, a dedicated customer helpline to address concerns and provide support, and a social media strategy to proactively engage with customers and address their questions and concerns. I also worked closely with the legal team to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and protect the company from any potential legal liabilities. This quick and practical decision-making helped to mitigate the negative impact of the recall, maintain customer trust, and ultimately safeguard the company's reputation.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer goes above and beyond the basic and solid answers by providing a more complex and challenging scenario. It showcases the candidate's ability to handle high-pressure situations, think strategically, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and effectively manage a crisis.

How to prepare for this question

Familiarize yourself with various crisis management frameworks and strategies.
Stay updated on current events and industry trends to be prepared for potential crisis situations.
Develop strong analytical and decision-making skills to make quick and practical decisions under pressure.
Practice effective communication skills, both written and verbal, to convey key messages during crisis situations.
Gain experience in managing crisis situations by seeking opportunities for hands-on involvement or by participating in crisis simulations and exercises.

What interviewers are evaluating

Ability to think strategically
Solid judgment and proven ability to make quick and practical decisions