Avoid detailing a scenario in which you communicate bad news without providing a way forward. Additionally, refrain from examples that resulted in your being removed from a project due to a client's frustration.

The STAR (situation, task, action, results) method works well for this question. Be sure to select the news you delivered that had a sizable impact on your client and outline your efforts to deliver a positive result even though the situation was less than optimal.

"I had a customer who needed to automate a time-intensive data entry workflow by integrating with our company's payroll system. I had previous experience with this type of automation and knew that this initiative would add value in terms of time savings, accuracy, and employee satisfaction.

I facilitated meetings to discuss the integration possibilities with the technical team responsible for payroll. I was informed that they were in the process of reviewing a replacement payroll system and my project would not be eligible for consideration until the new system was in place. I knew that this meant it would be a long time before my client could meet their goals, and I knew they would be frustrated. I developed custom reporting solutions using Excel and other tools that saved time and eased pain points until they were allowed to integrate with payroll. I also suggested workflow changes and shifts in duties for some of their staff that would streamline the process. I explained the situation fully and my client appreciated that they were understood and that my team and I were willing to do whatever we could to help while they waited to integrate."