Describe a time when you had to make a tough decision under pressure and how you handled it.

Sample answer to the question

One tough decision I had to make under pressure was when I was working on a project deadline and realized that we were falling behind schedule. I had to decide whether to communicate the issue to my team and risk them getting stressed or try to handle it on my own. I decided to bring it up during our team meeting and explain the situation honestly. We brainstormed solutions and divided the workload to catch up. By being transparent and seeking support, we were able to successfully complete the project on time.

A more solid answer

A memorable tough decision I faced under pressure was during a financial audit for a client. I discovered a significant discrepancy in their financial records, which raised concerns about potential fraud. The decision I had to make was whether to escalate the issue to senior management immediately or gather more evidence for a stronger case. I chose to consult with senior auditors to get their insights and guidance. We conducted a thorough investigation, involving interviews and document analysis. After compiling substantial evidence, we presented our findings to senior management, who took immediate action to address the issue and implement stronger controls to prevent future fraud.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides a more detailed and comprehensive response by including specific details about the situation, the decision-making process, and the outcome. It demonstrates the candidate's critical thinking skills, ability to handle sensitive situations, and collaboration with senior auditors. However, it could further improve by discussing the candidate's adaptability and communication in handling the pressure.

An exceptional answer

I faced a tough decision under pressure when I discovered a compliance violation within our organization that could have potentially resulted in legal repercussions. The challenge was deciding how to approach the situation while maintaining professionalism and ensuring corrective action was taken promptly. To handle it, I immediately consulted with our legal department to understand the scope of the violation and the potential consequences. I then collaborated with cross-functional teams, including HR and finance, to develop a comprehensive plan for addressing the issue. I took the lead in communicating the situation to relevant stakeholders, emphasizing transparency and accountability. This proactive approach helped mitigate legal risks, and our organization implemented robust compliance measures to prevent similar violations in the future.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer goes above and beyond by discussing a more complex and high-stakes scenario. It demonstrates the candidate's professionalism, collaboration, and ethical conduct. It also highlights their ability to handle pressure and critical decision-making. The answer provides a clear picture of the candidate's contributions to resolving the issue and their focus on long-term preventive measures. However, it could be further improved by including specific details about the communication and teamwork involved.

How to prepare for this question

Reflect on past experiences where you had to make tough decisions under pressure in your professional career.
Consider situations that align with the skills and qualities mentioned in the job description, such as critical thinking, project management, and collaboration.
Think about the outcomes of those tough decisions and how they contribute to your overall professional growth.
Practice articulating your thought process and the actions you took in handling those tough decisions.
Highlight the positive impact your decisions had on the situation and the individuals or teams involved.

What interviewers are evaluating

Adaptability
Critical thinking
Project management
Collaboration