Tell me about a time when you took a risk to achieve a goal. What was the outcome?

How to Answer
Answer Example

The most appropriate level of risk tolerance to show will depend on the organization. In general, it's safer to show a moderate amount of risk instead of a high amount. This way the interviewer will be able to see ambition and use of good judgment.

Choose an example when the outcome was positive and when the risk was not something that was irreversible. Explain what the problem was that you had to overcome. Explain what risk you were taking"”sometimes it'll be useful to think of what you were not supposed to do and do it anyway. Then explain how your actions led to a positive outcome that benefitted the company.

"There was a time when I was responsible for a team of graphic designers. We were late on a really tight deadline and one of the graphic designer's laptop in the office broke down. I'm supposed to ask for approval for purchases over $200, but I took the risk and went out and got a laptop for $800. This led to us finishing the project on time and keeping a client happy. Even though that client was a small client at the time, they were impressed with our ability to keep our promises and they became our most loyal client and spent over $X with us over the years."

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How to Answer: Tell me about a time when you took a risk to achieve a goal. What was the outcome?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Shift Leader job interview.

1. Tell me about a time when you took a risk to achieve a goal. What was the outcome?

How to Answer

The most appropriate level of risk tolerance to show will depend on the organization. In general, it's safer to show a moderate amount of risk instead of a high amount. This way the interviewer will be able to see ambition and use of good judgment.

Choose an example when the outcome was positive and when the risk was not something that was irreversible. Explain what the problem was that you had to overcome. Explain what risk you were taking"”sometimes it'll be useful to think of what you were not supposed to do and do it anyway. Then explain how your actions led to a positive outcome that benefitted the company.

Answer Example

"There was a time when I was responsible for a team of graphic designers. We were late on a really tight deadline and one of the graphic designer's laptop in the office broke down. I'm supposed to ask for approval for purchases over $200, but I took the risk and went out and got a laptop for $800. This led to us finishing the project on time and keeping a client happy. Even though that client was a small client at the time, they were impressed with our ability to keep our promises and they became our most loyal client and spent over $X with us over the years."

Next Question