How to Answer: Can you recall a time your manager was unavailable when a situation arose that demanded an immediate resolution? How did you react?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Data Analyst job interview.
1. Can you recall a time your manager was unavailable when a situation arose that demanded an immediate resolution? How did you react?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
While this appears to be a question about leadership, it addresses your willingness to take the initiative. The interviewer is interested in this because it helps them determine your future growth potential. Organizations like to hire individuals who continually improve themselves and develop new skills, allowing them to advance within the company.
Written by William Swansen on June 13th, 2022
How to Answer
When responding to this question, emphasize your willingness to take the initiative rather than complain about the manager's absence. Explain why you felt the need to take action and describe how you did so to resolve the immediate situation and then review the issue and your actions with your manager. Be prepared to answer a follow-up question about what you would do differently next time.
Written by William Swansen on June 13th, 2022
Answer Example
"Recently, my manager was away on vacation and I was asked to fill in for them. A conflict arose between our team and another department that demanded an immediate resolution. The manager from the other department insisted we do what they wanted since our manager was not available. Knowing this was not the best solution, I presented an alternative and recommended that we discuss this with the senior leadership team to get their input. The other manager agreed. Working with senior leaders, we developed a compromise that resolved the conflict. When my manager returned from vacation, I briefed them on the incident, and they agreed I had acted appropriately."
Written by William Swansen on June 13th, 2022