SENIOR LEVEL

Describe a time when you had to make a decisive judgment call. What was the situation and what actions did you take?

Sample answer to the question

One time when I had to make a decisive judgment call was during a construction project I was overseeing. We encountered a major issue with the foundation of the building, which could have led to serious structural problems if not addressed immediately. After consulting with experts and assessing the risks involved, I made the decision to halt construction and bring in a specialist team to rectify the foundation issue. This decision required careful consideration of the timeline, budget, and impact on the overall project. I communicated the situation to the stakeholders, explaining the reasons behind the decision and the steps being taken to rectify the issue. The specialist team successfully resolved the foundation problem, allowing us to resume construction and ensure the structural integrity of the building. This experience taught me the importance of making timely and informed judgment calls to mitigate risks and maintain project success.

A more solid answer

One of the most challenging judgment calls I had to make was during a high-pressure engineering project for a client. We encountered a critical design flaw that had the potential to compromise the safety of the final product. It was a situation that required immediate attention and a well-informed decision. I promptly gathered the project team, including design and safety experts, to discuss the issue and brainstorm potential solutions. We analyzed the risks and consequences of each option, considering the impact on the project schedule, budget, and most importantly, the safety of the end-users. After careful deliberation, I recommended a course of action that involved a design modification and additional testing. I presented the recommendation to the client, emphasizing the importance of ensuring product safety and explaining the potential implications of not addressing the issue effectively. The client accepted our recommendation, and we swiftly implemented the necessary changes. This judgment call not only preserved the safety of the product but also strengthened the trust between our team and the client. It reinforced the significance of considering all factors involved, seeking expert opinions, and making decisions that prioritize the best interests of the project and the end-users.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer adds more specific details about the challenging nature of the judgment call and the steps taken to make an informed decision. It highlights the involvement of the project team and experts in the decision-making process, as well as the considerations of risks, consequences, and the impact on the project and end-users. The solid answer also emphasizes the communication with the client, emphasizing the importance of product safety and conveying the implications of not addressing the issue effectively. However, it can be further improved by providing more quantifiable outcomes and highlighting any specific skills utilized during the decision-making process.

An exceptional answer

I encountered a situation during a complex engineering project where we faced a major technical setback. The project involved the design and construction of a bridge, and during the inspection phase, we discovered a significant flaw in the foundation that would have compromised the structural integrity of the entire structure. This was an unprecedented challenge that demanded prompt and effective judgment. I immediately gathered a team of geotechnical experts, structural engineers, and project stakeholders to assess the situation and come up with a decisive plan. We conducted a thorough analysis of the foundation issue, considering factors such as soil conditions, design specifications, and safety standards. The team presented multiple strategies to address the problem, including re-designing the foundation or completely halting the project. After careful evaluation, I made the judgment call to suspend the project temporarily and initiate a comprehensive geotechnical investigation to explore alternative design options. This decision required the coordination of various stakeholders and a clear communication plan to manage expectations. We engaged an experienced geotechnical consultant to conduct the investigation, which resulted in the development of an innovative foundation design that not only resolved the initial issue but also enhanced the long-term stability of the bridge. By making this decisive judgment call, we ensured the safety and longevity of the structure while maintaining adherence to the project timeline and budget. This experience showcased my problem-solving and decision-making abilities, as well as my capability to lead cross-functional teams in challenging situations.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer provides a more elaborate and detailed description of the situation, highlighting the complexity of the engineering project and the specific technical issue encountered. It emphasizes the involvement of a diverse team of experts and stakeholders in the decision-making process and the thorough analysis conducted to assess the situation. The exceptional answer also showcases the candidate's ability to coordinate the geotechnical investigation, engage external consultants, and ultimately make a judgment call that ensures the safety and long-term stability of the bridge. The answer demonstrates the candidate's problem-solving, decision-making, leadership, and communication skills. However, it could be further enhanced by including measurable outcomes, such as the impact on the project timeline and budget, as well as any positive feedback or recognition received.

How to prepare for this question

Reflect on past projects where you had to make judgment calls. Consider the complexity of the situations, the factors involved, and the outcomes of your decisions.
Be prepared to discuss the specific thought process you followed when making judgment calls. Explain how you weighed different options, considered risks and consequences, and sought input from experts or stakeholders.
Highlight your ability to make decisions under pressure and manage the potential impact on project timelines and budgets.
Emphasize the importance of communication and effectively conveying your rationale behind judgment calls to stakeholders and team members.

What interviewers are evaluating

Problem-solving skills
Decision-making skills