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Royal Bank of Canada Mock Interview

Question 2 of 35 for our Royal Bank of Canada Mock Interview

Royal Bank of Canada was updated by on May 3rd, 2022. Learn more here.

Question 2 of 35

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

The interviewer wants to know if you are a risk-taker or risk-averse. When delivering your example, present yourself as someone who takes calculated risks as opposed to someone who is a habitual risk-taker. Innovation is partly achieved by taking calculated risks. Some employees are risk-averse, maintaining the status quo. For others, taking risks comes naturally. Still, others take risks compulsively, which could turn costly for an individual, a family, or a company. If you are a risk-taker, they want to know how you evaluate risk.

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How to Answer: Tell me about a risk you've taken that paid off.

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Royal Bank of Canada job interview.

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

      How to Answer

      The interviewer wants to know if you are a risk-taker or risk-averse. When delivering your example, present yourself as someone who takes calculated risks as opposed to someone who is a habitual risk-taker. Innovation is partly achieved by taking calculated risks. Some employees are risk-averse, maintaining the status quo. For others, taking risks comes naturally. Still, others take risks compulsively, which could turn costly for an individual, a family, or a company. If you are a risk-taker, they want to know how you evaluate risk.

      Written by Kevin Downey on May 3rd, 2022

      1st Answer Example

      "My folks used to say you can't grow if you're not willing to risk stepping outside your comfort zone. They'd also 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 comes with how well you've stacked the odds in your favor. That takes work. Finding luck takes work. My application for this job was risking disappointment, but so far it's paid off with this interview. If I'm not offered the job, that will be a disappointment, but it still has its rewards. There's a growth opportunity to learn from it and improve my performance, further stacking the odds in my favor."

      Written by Kevin Downey on May 3rd, 2022

      2nd Answer Example

      "My motto is that the most basic explanation for what I do is making my bosses' jobs easier. This includes anticipating their needs by understanding them, the other members of my team, the work that needs to be done, and a full scope of the big picture. There are, of course, occasions where a quick decision needs to be made, and there's no supervisor there to make the call. If it's urgent, then making that decision without them is a calculated risk. I've learned how to make the call without overstepping my bounds, but stay true to the big picture and the needs of the entire team. For example..."

      Written by Kevin Downey on May 3rd, 2022