What do you do when your time schedule or project plan is upset by unforeseen circumstances?
This will allow your interviewer to assess how well you hold yourself accountable, as well as your project management and time management skills. It will also give them insight into your work style and how you deal with stressful situations.
Express how important time management is to you. Recognize the importance of proper planning, especially when it comes to unforeseen circumstances. Give examples of your problem-solving skills and how you ensure things run smoothly.
"Nothing ever goes according to plan. I always plan for unforeseen circumstances. I try to anticipate how much a project derailment will cost us, and I plan that time in. However, the deadlines I deliver to my team do not have that extra time. I strive to deliver early, but that padding room allows for more flexibility and less stress when forced to adapt to unforeseen circumstances. It also allows flexibility to seize opportunities we might discover along the way that could allow us to deliver above and beyond."
Exude leadership. A first mate will handle any situation through to its solution before alerting their captain. It's fine to use examples where you inform your higher-ups, but be sure to keep the order of events as clear and linear as possible when sharing your example.
