Tell me about a time when you had to make quick decisions or solve problems on the event day.

Sample answer to the question

One time, I was in charge of organizing a charity gala event. On the event day, there were unexpected issues that needed immediate attention. The caterer had a last-minute cancellation, and we needed to find a replacement quickly. I immediately contacted a backup caterer and negotiated a new contract. I also had to solve a problem with the AV equipment, as one of the microphones stopped working. I quickly sourced a replacement from a nearby rental company. These quick decisions and problem-solving skills ensured that the event went smoothly and the guests were happy.

A more solid answer

I have a relevant example of a time when I had to make quick decisions and solve problems on the event day. I was coordinating a corporate conference, and on the day of the event, we had a sudden power outage in the main conference hall. This meant that the presentations couldn't be projected, and the attendees were becoming restless. I immediately contacted the venue's maintenance team to assess the situation and estimate the outage duration. While they worked on restoring the power, I quickly rearranged the schedule to accommodate interactive sessions and networking activities in smaller breakout rooms. This helped to keep the attendees engaged and ensured that the event continued smoothly. Additionally, I utilized my problem-solving skills to arrange for backup projectors and audio equipment from nearby rental companies, ensuring that the presentations could be delivered once the power was restored. These quick decisions and problem-solving skills allowed us to maintain a high level of professionalism and ensure client satisfaction.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides a more detailed example of a situation where the candidate had to make quick decisions and solve problems on the event day. It addresses all the evaluation areas and incorporates specific details that demonstrate the candidate's organizational skills, problem-solving skills, and ability to work under pressure. However, the answer could still be further improved by providing more specific details about the candidate's leadership skills and how they effectively communicated and coordinated with the team and stakeholders during the crisis.

An exceptional answer

I have a great example of a time when quick decisions and efficient problem-solving were crucial for the success of an event. I was leading a team of event planners for a high-profile product launch. On the event day, we encountered a major transportation issue. The shipment containing the product samples and promotional materials was delayed due to a traffic accident, and the event was about to start in just a few hours. I quickly assessed the situation and strategized a solution. I arranged for a courier service with a helicopter to transport the shipment directly to the venue. While waiting for the samples to arrive, I rearranged the event schedule to prioritize other activities that didn't require the physical presence of the products. I also utilized my negotiation skills to secure a local supplier who could provide similar product samples in case the original shipment didn't arrive on time. These quick decisions and problem-solving abilities not only ensured that the product launch proceeded smoothly but also impressed the client and stakeholders with our ability to handle unexpected challenges.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer provides an even more detailed example that showcases the candidate's exceptional problem-solving skills, leadership skills, and ability to think on their feet. It demonstrates how the candidate went above and beyond to find a creative solution to a major transportation issue, effectively communicated and coordinated with various stakeholders, and ensured the success of the event. The answer also highlights the candidate's negotiation skills and their ability to anticipate and plan for potential risks. This answer aligns perfectly with the job description requirements and evaluation areas.

How to prepare for this question

Reflect on your past experiences where you had to make quick decisions or solve problems on event days.
Think about specific examples where you demonstrated your organizational skills, problem-solving skills, and ability to work under pressure.
Consider situations where you had to coordinate and communicate with different stakeholders to find solutions.
Be prepared to discuss how you prioritize tasks and make decisions efficiently during high-pressure situations.
Practice storytelling to effectively communicate your past experiences, emphasizing the positive outcomes and lessons learned.

What interviewers are evaluating

Organizational Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Ability to Work Under Pressure