Quick Decision Making in Interviews: How to Answer

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For job seekers and students preparing for interviews, quick decision-making in interviews is a skill that can set you apart from other candidates. Employers don’t want to hire someone who hesitates at every step or needs to consult the entire team before taking action. They’re looking for individuals who can make thoughtful decisions swiftly—especially under pressure—without compromising on quality.

When an interviewer asks, “Give me an example of a time when you had to make a quick decision,” they’re trying to evaluate two things:

  1. Your ability to act decisively when time is limited.
  2. Your thought process—how you balance speed with careful consideration.

Understanding the Behavioral Interview Question

When they ask for an example, they want more than just a quick “yes, I can.” They’re seeking proof that:

  • You understand the importance of making informed decisions.
  • You can navigate challenges and uncertainties.
  • You have real-life experiences that demonstrate your skills.

The best way to answer is by sharing a specific, real-world example of a decision you made under time pressure, especially one that led to a positive outcome.

Example Answer for Quick Decision Making

Here’s a polished example you can adapt:

“My manager had to leave unexpectedly due to a health emergency, and we had a Monday deadline for analyzing data that determined school awards. Unfortunately, our IT department was down, and weekend support was unavailable. Waiting until Monday wasn’t an option, so I quickly assessed our options.

I secured last-minute approval for overtime, arranged for both IT and departmental support over the weekend, and created a detailed action plan with contingency steps. This ensured the process ran smoothly. By Monday morning, the data was complete, reviewed, and ready for submission—meeting our target deadline successfully.”

How to Structure Your Answer

To make your story impactful, follow the STAR method:

  • Situation—Briefly describe the challenge.
  • Task—Explain what needed to be done.
  • Action—Outline the steps you took.
  • Result – Share the successful outcome.

Conclusion

Mastering quick decision-making in interviews is about showing you can handle pressure, think critically, and take ownership of results. With the right preparation and a solid example, you can impress interviewers and stand out as a proactive, reliable candidate.

Author

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