Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision in your work and how you handled it.

JUNIOR LEVEL
Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision in your work and how you handled it.
Sample answer to the question:
I had to make a difficult decision when I was working on a research project related to tropical diseases. We were trying to determine the most effective treatment for a specific disease, but the results were inconclusive and conflicting. I decided to consult with my team members and experts in the field to gather more insights and perspectives. We conducted additional experiments and analysis to validate the findings. After careful consideration, we decided to revise our approach and focus on a different treatment option. The decision was challenging, but it led to more promising results and ultimately contributed to the advancement of treatment options for the disease.
Here is a more solid answer:
During my research project on tropical diseases, I encountered a difficult decision when analyzing the effectiveness of various treatment options for a specific disease. The data we collected showed conflicting results, making it challenging to draw a definite conclusion. To tackle this issue, I initiated a collaborative discussion with my team members and sought guidance from experts in the field. We conducted additional experiments, analyzed the data meticulously, and discussed the findings thoroughly. In the end, we decided to revise our approach and focus on a different treatment option that showed more promising results. This decision required me to utilize my research and analytical skills to interpret complex data, my problem-solving skills to find alternative solutions, my ability to work in a multidisciplinary team to collaborate and seek input from others, and my good organizational and data recording abilities to document and track the progress of our research.
Why is this a more solid answer?
The solid answer provides a more detailed account of the difficult decision the candidate had to make, demonstrating their research and analytical skills, problem-solving skills, ability to work in multidisciplinary teams, and good organizational and data recording abilities. It highlights the candidate's proactive approach in seeking guidance and collaboration to overcome the challenge. However, the answer can be further improved by including specific examples and outcomes of the decision.
An example of a exceptional answer:
During my research project on tropical diseases, I encountered a difficult decision when analyzing the effectiveness of various treatment options for a specific disease. Despite extensive experimentation, our data remained inconclusive and conflicting. Recognizing the importance of a well-informed decision, I took the initiative to organize a multidisciplinary meeting involving experts from various fields related to tropical medicine. We shared our findings, questioned each other's assumptions, and critically evaluated the experimental protocols. Through this collaborative effort, we identified potential sources of error and devised a plan for further investigation. I led a subgroup that performed additional experiments under modified conditions, taking into account the specific concerns raised during the meeting. By applying my research and analytical skills, I analyzed the collected data in-depth, drawing correlations and identifying patterns. This meticulous analysis helped us identify a previously overlooked factor that contributed to the conflicting results. With this new understanding, we revised our approach and focused on a different treatment option that showed consistent efficacy across multiple experiments. Not only did this decision contribute to the advancement of treatment options for the disease, but it also strengthened my ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams, showcase my problem-solving skills, and demonstrate good organizational and data recording abilities. The experience taught me the importance of seeking diverse perspectives and questioning assumptions in decision-making processes, ultimately leading to more impactful outcomes.
Why is this an exceptional answer?
The exceptional answer provides a detailed and comprehensive account of the difficult decision the candidate faced, showcasing their exceptional research and analytical skills, problem-solving skills, ability to work in multidisciplinary teams, and good organizational and data recording abilities. The candidate not only highlights their proactive approach but also emphasizes the importance of collaboration, critical thinking, and learning from mistakes. The answer goes beyond the initial decision by showcasing the candidate's leadership skills in organizing a multidisciplinary meeting and leading a subgroup for further investigation. The exceptional answer relates the outcome of the decision to the overall impact on treatment options for the disease and reflects the candidate's growth and lessons learned. It effectively aligns with the requirements of the job and the skills and abilities outlined in the job description.
How to prepare for this question:
  • Reflect on your past work experiences and identify challenging decisions you have made that align with the job description.
  • Highlight the specific skills and abilities required for the job when describing your difficult decision.
  • Demonstrate your proactive approach in seeking guidance, collaborating with others, and critically evaluating different perspectives.
  • Provide specific examples and outcomes to illustrate the impact of your decision and the skills you utilized.
  • Discuss what you learned from the experience and how it has strengthened your ability to make difficult decisions in the future.
What are interviewers evaluating with this question?
  • Research and analytical skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams
  • Good organizational and data recording abilities

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