Describe a situation where you had to make a quick decision under pressure. How did you handle it?

Sample answer to the question

In my previous role as an Aerospace Engineer, I encountered a situation where I had to make a quick decision under pressure. We were working on a tight deadline to complete the design of an aircraft wing. During the testing phase, we discovered a significant issue with the wing's structural integrity. Our team had to decide whether to proceed with the existing design and risk potential safety issues, or to halt the project and find a solution. I took the initiative to gather all the available data, consulted with my colleagues and senior engineers, and weighed the potential risks and benefits. After careful consideration, I recommended pausing the project and conducting further analysis to address the structural issue. This decision ensured the safety and reliability of the final product. My ability to stay calm under pressure, gather information quickly, and make a well-informed decision benefited the team and the project as a whole.

A more solid answer

As an Aerospace Engineer, I encountered a challenging situation that required me to make a quick decision under pressure. We were in the final stages of testing a new propulsion system for a spacecraft when a critical component unexpectedly malfunctioned. The project was on a tight deadline, and the failure threatened to jeopardize the entire mission. In response, I swiftly organized a meeting with the project team to discuss the issue and evaluate potential solutions. Drawing on my technical expertise and problem-solving skills, I proposed a temporary workaround that would allow us to continue testing while we developed a long-term fix. I also communicated the situation and our proposed solution to the project stakeholders, ensuring transparency and managing expectations. This quick decision and effective communication helped us maintain momentum on the project and eventually led to the successful development of the propulsion system. This experience highlighted my ability to think critically, make sound decisions under pressure, and communicate effectively in high-stakes situations.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides a more detailed and comprehensive description of the situation where the candidate had to make a quick decision under pressure. It highlights the candidate's skills and abilities in the evaluation areas and provides specific examples of their problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure. However, it could still benefit from more specific details and quantifiable results.

An exceptional answer

In my role as an Aerospace Engineer, I faced a critical situation that demanded an immediate decision under intense pressure. We were conducting flight tests for a new unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) when a sudden software glitch caused the UAV to lose control mid-flight. As the team lead, I quickly analyzed the situation, realizing that the only possible solution was to initiate the UAV's emergency landing sequence to prevent any potential harm. With limited time, I decisively communicated the plan to the team, assigning specific roles and tasks to ensure a safe and controlled landing. Simultaneously, I informed the project stakeholders of the situation, assuring them that we were taking swift action to mitigate any risks. Thanks to my ability to remain calm and think on my feet, we successfully executed the emergency landing, minimizing any potential damage and avoiding any injuries. This experience showcased my exceptional decision-making skills, ability to handle high-pressure situations, and effective communication under duress.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer goes above and beyond by providing a highly detailed and specific description of the situation where the candidate had to make a quick decision under pressure. It demonstrates exceptional problem-solving skills, ability to work under pressure, and effective communication. The answer also highlights the candidate's leadership abilities as they were the team lead and successfully handled the crisis. It could further improve by including quantifiable results and demonstrating the impact of the candidate's decision on the overall project and team.

How to prepare for this question

1. Familiarize yourself with past experiences where you had to make quick decisions under pressure in your previous roles or academic projects. Practice articulating these situations clearly and concisely.
2. Highlight your problem-solving skills and analytical thinking abilities during the interview. Provide examples of how you have successfully resolved critical issues in the past.
3. Showcase your ability to work well under pressure by discussing projects or situations where you had tight deadlines or faced unexpected challenges.
4. Practice active listening and effective communication. Emphasize how you actively seek input from others and collaborate with team members to make well-informed decisions.
5. Brush up on your technical knowledge and stay updated with the latest trends in aerospace engineering. The more knowledgeable you are, the better equipped you will be to make quick and informed decisions.

What interviewers are evaluating

Effective decision-making
Problem-solving skills
Ability to work under pressure