Share a time when you had to make a quick decision.

Question Analysis

The question is designed to evaluate your ability to think on your feet and make decisions under pressure. It assesses your judgment, problem-solving skills, and confidence in your decision-making abilities. The interviewer wants to see how you handle situations where time is limited, and a decision needs to be made quickly. Using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) will help in organizing your response effectively.

Answer

Situation: At my previous job, I was working as a project coordinator for an important client. One afternoon, just before a critical project milestone, our lead developer called in sick unexpectedly, leaving us without a crucial resource for a presentation scheduled for the next day.

Task: I needed to ensure that the project presentation proceeded smoothly without any delays, as it was vital for maintaining our client’s confidence and satisfaction.

Action: I quickly assessed the skills and availability of other team members and reallocated tasks to cover the absence. I also reached out to a developer from another project who had relevant experience and convinced them to assist us after their regular working hours. Additionally, I informed the client about the situation and reassured them that we were taking steps to ensure the presentation would proceed as planned.

Result: The team worked together efficiently, and the presentation was delivered on time. The client was impressed with our adaptability and praised us for maintaining professionalism under pressure. This quick decision not only preserved the project's timeline but also strengthened our relationship with the client.