Tell us about a time when you had to make a decision under pressure. How did you handle it?

Sample answer to the question

A time when I had to make a decision under pressure was during my previous job as a Financial Analyst at XYZ Company. We were working on a crucial project with a tight deadline, and suddenly, one of our key stakeholders pulled out. This put a lot of pressure on our team to come up with a solution quickly. I handled the situation by gathering the team and brainstorming alternative options. We analyzed the potential risks and benefits of each option and presented them to our supervisor. We also reached out to other stakeholders to explore additional partnership opportunities. Ultimately, we made a well-informed decision that allowed us to continue the project successfully.

A more solid answer

One example of a time I faced a high-pressure decision was during my role as an Investment Analyst at ABC Investments. We were analyzing an investment opportunity when new market information was released, drastically changing the risk profile. With a looming deadline, I gathered my team to quickly assess the situation. We divided the workload and individually conducted in-depth research on the new information. After gathering our findings, we held an urgent team meeting to discuss the potential impact and devise a revised investment strategy. We prioritized the most critical aspects and efficiently allocated our time to address them. Despite the time constraints, we completed our analysis, presented it to senior management, and adjusted our investment strategy accordingly.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer expands on the basic answer by providing specific details about the situation, the actions taken, and the outcome. It demonstrates problem-solving skills, time management abilities, and adaptability to a fast-paced environment. However, it can still be improved with more emphasis on the candidate's personal contribution and the impact of their decision.

An exceptional answer

As an Investment Analyst at XYZ Investments, I faced a critical decision under immense pressure during a live investment pitch to a potential client. We had been working on this opportunity for months, and the success of our firm's partnership hinged on this pitch. However, just minutes before the presentation, our lead presenter fell ill. Taking charge, I immediately stepped in and reassured the team and the client. I quickly reviewed the presentation materials, familiarized myself with the content, and seamlessly delivered the pitch. Despite the unexpected setback, I remained composed and conveyed the value proposition effectively. Our client was impressed by my ability to handle the pressure and make informed decisions on the spot, leading to a successful partnership that generated significant revenue for our firm.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer brings out a more unique and exceptional situation where the candidate had to make a decision under pressure. It demonstrates exceptional problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and communication skills. The candidate's quick thinking, composure, and ability to handle a difficult situation resulted in a successful outcome. The answer could be further improved by providing more specific details about the challenges faced and the candidate's role in the decision-making process.

How to prepare for this question

Reflect on past experiences where you had to make decisions under pressure and consider the outcomes.
Identify the key areas in the job description that require strong decision-making skills and think of examples that demonstrate those skills.
Practice storytelling techniques to articulate your experiences and decisions clearly and concisely.
Highlight the specific actions you took, the thought process behind your decisions, and the positive impact of your choices.
Demonstrate your ability to handle stress and pressure by sharing examples where you remained calm and focused under challenging circumstances.

What interviewers are evaluating

Problem-solving
Time management
Adaptability