Decision-making interview questions and answers

10 good decision making interview questions

1. Two employees are having regular conflicts with each other and often disturb the team’s balance. How would you handle this situation?
2. Describe a time you made an unpopular decision. How did you handle the feedback? How would you have handled the situation differently?
3. Do you usually make better decisions alone or with a group? Why? When do you ask for help?
4. In your experience, when you’re working on a team project, do you make the most decisions or do you prefer to step back and follow someone else’s guideline?
5. Describe a time when you had to make an immediate decision on a critical issue.
6. While working on a team project, you notice that some of your coworkers are falling behind. What would you do to help your team meet the deadline?
7. How would you deal with a demanding external stakeholder who keeps changing requirements about a specific project you’re working on?
8. You want your manager to buy a new software that will help your work and you’re trying to choose between two options. The first is more expensive, but has better reviews and the second has fewer features, but is within budget. Which one would you recommend and how?
9. How do you prioritize tasks when making a decision under pressure?
10. How do you ensure that your decisions are free from personal bias?

1. Two employees are having regular conflicts with each other and often disturb the team’s balance. How would you handle this situation?

This question assesses the candidate’s conflict resolution skills and their ability to maintain team harmony.

Sample answer:

“I would first speak to each employee individually to understand their perspective. Then, I’d facilitate a meeting between them to address the issues and find a resolution. If necessary, I’d provide additional training or resources to prevent future conflicts.”

2. Describe a time you made an unpopular decision. How did you handle the feedback? How would you have handled the situation differently?

This question gauges the candidate’s ability to stand by their decisions and handle criticism.

Sample answer:

“I once implemented a new work schedule that wasn’t well-received initially. I addressed the team’s concerns in a meeting, explaining the rationale behind the decision. In hindsight, I would have involved the team in the decision-making process to gather their input.”

3. Do you usually make better decisions alone or with a group? Why? When do you ask for help?

This question evaluates the candidate’s collaborative skills and their ability to seek assistance when needed.

Sample answer:

“I believe in collaborative decision-making as it brings diverse perspectives. However, I’m also confident in making decisions independently when time is of the essence. I seek help when I lack expertise in a particular area.”

4. In your experience, when you’re working on a team project, do you make the most decisions or do you prefer to step back and follow someone else’s guideline?

This question assesses the candidate’s leadership skills and their ability to collaborate within a team setting.

Sample answer:

“I’m comfortable taking the lead and making decisions when required, but I also value the expertise of my team members and often rely on their guidance.”

5. Describe a time when you had to make an immediate decision on a critical issue.

This question gauges the candidate’s ability to think quickly and act decisively under pressure.

Sample answer:

“Once, a key client’s project was at risk due to a vendor’s error. I immediately convened a team meeting, assessed the situation, and decided to allocate additional resources to meet the deadline. The client was satisfied, and we retained their business.”

6. While working on a team project, you notice that some of your coworkers are falling behind. What would you do to help your team meet the deadline?

This question assesses the candidate’s team spirit, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

Sample answer:

“I would first identify the root cause of the delay. If it’s a resource or knowledge gap, I’d offer my assistance or find someone who can help. I’d also consider re-allocating tasks or suggesting overtime if the team agrees.”

7. How would you deal with a demanding external stakeholder who keeps changing requirements about a specific project you’re working on?

This question evaluates the candidate’s communication and negotiation skills, especially in challenging situations.

Sample answer:

“I’d schedule a meeting with the stakeholder to understand their concerns and requirements better. I’d also set clear boundaries and expectations, ensuring they understand the implications of constant changes, especially on time and resources.”

8. You want your manager to buy a new software and you’re trying to choose between two options. The first is more expensive, but has better reviews and the second has fewer features, but is within budget. Which one would you recommend?

This question gauges the candidate’s analytical and persuasive skills.

Sample answer:

“I’d conduct a cost-benefit analysis. If the more expensive software significantly improves efficiency or has features we’ll need in the future, I’d present a case to my manager highlighting its long-term benefits against the initial cost.”

9. How do you prioritize tasks when making a decision under pressure?

This question assesses the candidate’s ability to manage stress and prioritize effectively.

Sample answer:

“I prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance. I also consider the potential impact on the project or organization. When under pressure, I stay calm, gather all necessary information, and if possible, consult with a colleague before making a decision.”

10. How do you ensure that your decisions are free from personal bias?

This question evaluates the candidate’s self-awareness and commitment to fairness.

Sample answer:

“I always strive to base my decisions on facts and data. If I’m unsure, I consult with colleagues to get diverse perspectives. Regular training on unconscious bias also helps me stay aware of potential pitfalls.”

Why it’s important to ask decision making interview questions

Employees are required to make work-related decisions about either regular tasks or unexpected situations on a daily basis. For example, designers might need to choose between two logos, developers may have to decide which feature to implement first and hiring managers might need to select between two or more qualified candidates.

Decisions – both good and bad – have an impact on the entire company. Good decision-makers:

• Evaluate circumstances, consider alternatives and weigh pros and cons.
• Use critical-thinking skills to reach objective conclusions.
• Are able to make decisions under pressure.
• Opt for a “problem-solving” attitude, as opposed to a “that’s not my job” approach.
• Help teams overcome obstacles.

Decision-making interview questions will help you identify potential hires with sound judgement. Test how candidates analyze data and predict the outcome of each option before making a decision. Also, keep in mind that in some cases a creative decision that breaks from the norm could prove to be innovative and more effective than a traditional approach.