Tell me about a risk you've taken that paid off.

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Experienced Example

The interviewer wants to know if you are a risk-taker or risk-averse. You want to present yourself as someone who takes calculated risks as opposed to a habitual risk-taker. Innovation is partly achieved by taking calculated risks. Some are risk-averse, maintaining the status quo. For some, taking risks comes naturally. Others might take risks compulsively, which could be costly for a company. They want to know how you evaluate risk.

Bank of America has, what they call, their risk framework, where they state, "We manage risk effectively. Bank of America is in the business of taking risk. You are responsible for understanding what risks impact the company, managing those risks and ensuring an appropriate risk/reward balance. Individual accountability is at the heart of our risk culture. This means that each employee is responsible for using his or her individual judgment to manage risk. We are all accountable for debating risk-related issues, escalating concerns, taking a stand and making sound judgments about the risk/reward trade-offs of business decisions. You should take an open, candid and fact-based approach to discussing risk issues, making all relevant facts and information available so the company can consider all possible options and make decisions. You also are responsible for promptly communicating and escalating matters to management that may cause risk or potential harm to the company, such as operational problems, inappropriate conduct, policy violations, illegal activities or other risks. Always act to protect the company and the interests of shareholders."

"My mother used to say you can't grow if you're unwilling to step outside your comfort zone. My dad would say that luck is where you find it. They taught me how to pursue my goals and achieve them. Finding opportunity takes work, but seizing that opportunity takes a calculated risk. The calculation is in how well you've stacked the odds in your favor. That takes work. Finding luck takes work. I risked disappointment by applying for this job, but so far, it's paid off. I am grateful to be sitting here interviewing with you. If I'm not offered the job, that will be a disappointment, but it still has its rewards. There's always something to learn. Luck is where you find it."

"I consider my job to be making my bosses' jobs easier. This includes anticipating their needs. There are, of course, occasions when a quick decision needs to be made, and there's no supervisor there to make it. If it's urgent, then making that decision is a calculated risk. How do I make the call without overstepping my bounds while staying true to the big picture and the needs of the entire team? Recently I found myself in such a situation when our boss was out dealing with a family emergency..."