TAL Mock Interview
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Question 11 of 30
At TAL, we value calculated risk. When have you taken an unusual risk in the workplace? What was the outcome?
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Ryan Brown created and launched MockQuestions in 2008.
The interviewer wants to know that you are capable of taking calculated risks in the workplace and that you understand the difference between a calculated risk and a risky choice.
Think of a work-related risk, like trying out a new idea to solve a problem. You may even take on a new responsibility that you're not trained in, which is a little bit of a risk. Give an example that shows you are thoughtful and strategic when taking risks.
Ryan Brown created and launched MockQuestions in 2008.
"Last month I took an unusual risk by accepting an outside sales call when I am an inside sales employee. An existing client asked me to meet him because he had some additional business he was thinking of awarding our company, but he wanted to make sure we had a strong rapport before he handed the business over. I met him in person, and we got along so well that he gave me an additional 1M in annual business. I knew it was a risk because my traditional area of expertise is inside sales accounts, but I knew the reward was greater than the potential risk, so I took it. It was well worth it!"
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When I first started working part-time at IKEA, I was a store greeter, and I talked to customers all the time. We used to have a pop-up store in front of the main store, and the customers loved it. I heard that the management team was planning to get rid of it. I didn't think it was a great idea, so I took the risk to talk to one of the people in charge. I thought it would be worth the risk since the worst thing that could happen was that he would reject my idea. This risk was less of an issue than the possibility of the company losing revenue because they shut down the pop-up. I took the time to develop a proposal for a marketing strategy that I believe would increase the number of visitors. He took it really well, and he was actually planning to implement it. It was unfortunate that he had to move to another store before it was done.
Rachelle's Feedback
This is a fantastic example of calculated risk, and it goes to show that you can present ideas no matter which department you are in. Too bad you weren't able to see your plan come to fruition, but you have this story to take with you, regardless :)
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