How to answer "How do you make important decisions?" in a job interview

You're in an interview, and they ask you, "How do you make important decisions?"

Seems challenging! But now is the time to show the interviewer that you can:

• Handle pressure and react appropriately under difficult circumstances.

• Demonstrate critical-thinking skills for objective conclusions.

• Consider a variety of options based on pros and cons.

• Show a problem-solving attitude with sound judgment.

DO

• Reflect on past experiences.

• Explain the steps you follow when making a decision.

• Give a specific example using the STAR method that relates to the job.

• Prioritize logic and facts.

• Express confidence and decisiveness in your tone.

• Show that you're good at gathering information.

• Talk about how you work well with others and value their input.

DON'T

• Say you can't think of anything.

• Say that you do something different each time.

• Explain your approach without giving enough details.

• Include examples with a negative outcome.

• Overlook the need for relevant information.

• Skip justifying your approach to making the decision.

• Make the process all about yourself.

Carla, Nick, and Ryan are job seekers at a software company. Read their responses to "How do you make important decisions?"

Carla

"I gather necessary information, consider available time, and evaluate potential outcomes and their impact on the team and organization.

For instance, in a previous job, I had to choose between fixing existing software or starting from scratch. After careful consideration, I decided to start fresh to avoid future complications, with full support from my boss."

Nick

"When faced with important decisions, I collect information, evaluate pros and cons, and consider the impact on the company and users.

For example, when addressing a software bug at my previous job, I researched, sought advice from colleagues, and carefully chose a solution that minimized disruption and ensured a smooth user experience."

Ryan

“I consider how much time I have and gather the information I need to make an informed choice.

It's important to remember that we can't always predict the exact outcome, but I try to gather enough information to make an educated guess. Additionally, I analyze risks to identify potential drawbacks.”