When a problem requires a quick solution, how do you respond?
Your interviewer is curious how capably you think on your feet and how quickly you react when confronted with difficult, game changing situations. How you answer will help them determine if you feel overwhelmed in such situations and experience task paralysis or task procrastination. Or, if you adapt and start making informed decisions and taking calculated risks to reduce the impact when things don't go according to plan. As they say on their website, "we must push ourselves to the limits of innovation and creativity, while acknowledging that the most efficient path forward may not exist yet." Demonstrate that you are competent and able to react swiftly when the need arises and walk the interviewer through your approach to making quick decisions when under pressure.
"I can think quickly on my feet. As Patton said, a good plan today is better than a perfect plan tomorrow. Sure, it's natural to feel a little emotionally overwhelmed when things get more complicated than you'd prefer, but just process and move forward. Stammering isn't going to make your problems go away. Only actionable steps and a clear head can do that."
"As a customer service agent in the cruise line industry, I need to make a multitude of decisions, on the fly, for a variety of guests at a time. I rely partially on the instinct that I have built as an expert in the service industry and part in past travel experiences that may be similar. I am sure always to exude an air of control and confidence when making decisions."
"I thrive under pressure and always have, so when I'm given a time-sensitive situation to address, I light up and get down to business. I am more impactful and even more creative when I have little time to do much besides jump in and take charge. This ability to make fast decisions is especially helpful in the cruise industry when there is a customer service issue or an emergency."
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