How to Answer: Tell me about a difficult decision you had to make in one of your previous roles.
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Cybersecurity Engineer job interview.
2. Tell me about a difficult decision you had to make in one of your previous roles.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is looking for examples of your decision-making process and how you approach difficult challenges or situations. They want to learn more about how decisive you are and whether you are willing to make difficult choices. The interviewer hopes to see that you are willing to put the organization's interests ahead of your personal feelings.
Written by William Swansen on June 2nd, 2022
How to Answer
When answering this question, choose a situation in which you made a decision involving a personal sacrifice or two equally undesirable outcomes. Explain the choice you made, your rationale, and the outcome. Then briefly discuss what, if anything, you would have done differently based on the outcome.
Written by William Swansen on June 2nd, 2022
Answer Example
"During a recent downturn in business, I was required to reduce my staff. Every team member was well qualified and valuable to the organization, so choosing who to let go was difficult. After much consideration, I decided to dismiss one of the more experienced workers, knowing that they could easily find another job within the industry with my recommendation. This allowed me to develop one of the junior staffers, increasing their skills and making them more valuable to the organization. I would make the same decision if presented with this situation again."
Written by William Swansen on June 2nd, 2022