How to Answer: When have you had to think quickly in response to sudden change?
5. When have you had to think quickly in response to sudden change?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know that you can adapt to sudden changes in the workplace. Change is par for the course in any work environment. Assure the interviewer that you are capable of responding quickly, and professionally, to unexpected situations.
Answer Example
"I can think quickly on the job, and I do respond well to sudden change. Last week I was asked to tweak a presentation with just 30 minutes notice. The changes were significant, but luckily I work well under pressure. The presentation went well, and our clients were delighted."
Admin
"I have to think quickly to change every time there are scheduling changes with the Executive whom I support. Most often, this related to delayed flights or changes in travel plans. I have all the major airlines on speed dial, as well as a variety of professional drivers on hand as a backup. This preparedness ensures that my boss can attend all meetings on time, despite travel hiccups."
Manager
"I have to respond to sudden change almost daily with the production schedule. A different department prioritizes customer orders, and it is not uncommon for them to change the priority on a given day due to the last minute rush order from a larger customer. You learn to roll with it, and you find the fastest ways to make a successful changeover."
Marketing
"As a marketing professional, I face last minute, urgent changes on a daily basis. Last week a client agreed on a branding strategy and then the day before we were to launch the site, they requested significant changes to the typeface and color palette. I am very experienced in meeting deadlines on the fly."
Retail
"In a retail environment, I have to think on the fly if a customer is trying on an outfit and wants recommendations. Also, customers will often walk up to the desk, ask if we have red sweaters, and I have to do a quick inventory in my head before giving a reply. I make sure to be on top of our current stock at all times."
Sales
"In sales, you always have to be on your toes. On more than one occasion, I've had calls come in for emergencies after hours that require a creative solution. Most recently my client had their software crash at 2 AM, and they needed immediate IT assistance. I called my technical team and found someone willing to address the issue in the middle of the night. Part of my success in software sales is working with an amazing IT team that will pull anything together to make a client happy."
Teacher
"As a teacher, I often have to think quickly in the classroom. Some of these kids are incredibly smart cookies, and they ask questions I have never heard before. I have to quickly craft a response, or find an accurate answer quickly."
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