How to Answer "Tell Me About A Time You Took A Risk At Work? What Was The Result?"(With Sample Answers)

by Daniel Wolken

Published at: November 25, 2023

Are you preparing for a job interview and wondering how to answer the question "Tell me about a time you took a risk at work? What was the result?" If so, you're not alone. This question is commonly asked in interviews to assess your problem-solving skills, decision-making abilities, and willingness to take risks. It's important to have a well-prepared answer that highlights your strengths and accomplishments.

Taking risks at work can lead to both positive and negative outcomes. It's important to showcase your ability to take calculated risks that have resulted in success for the company.

In this article, we'll provide you with sample answers to help you prepare for this question. We'll also discuss the importance of being honest and transparent in your response, as well as how to effectively communicate your thought process and decision-making skills.

Why Employers Ask This?

When employers ask you to describe a time when you took a risk at work, they are trying to gain insight into your decision-making process and your ability to handle uncertainty. They want to know if you are comfortable with taking calculated risks and if you can think on your feet when faced with unexpected challenges.

By asking this question, employers are also looking to assess your level of creativity and innovation. They want to see if you are willing to try new things and if you have the ability to come up with creative solutions to problems.

Additionally, this question allows employers to evaluate your level of resilience and perseverance. They want to know if you are able to bounce back from setbacks and if you have the determination to see a risky project through to completion.

Overall, employers ask this question to gain a better understanding of your approach to risk-taking, problem-solving, and decision-making. It is an opportunity for you to showcase your ability to take calculated risks and your willingness to step outside of your comfort zone to achieve success.

How to Answer "Tell Me About A Time You Took A Risk At Work? What Was The Result?"

When asked about a time you took a risk at work, it's important to choose an example that showcases your abilities and achievements. Here are some tips to help you answer this question effectively:

1. Select a relevant example: Select a situation that is relevant to the job you are applying for. This will help demonstrate your skills and abilities in a way that is meaningful to the interviewer.
2. Explain the situation: Begin by describing the situation that led to the risk. Be specific and provide details about the context, including the challenges you faced and the potential consequences of your actions.
3. Explain the risk: Clearly explain the risk you took, including why you decided to take it and what you hoped to achieve.
4. Conclude your results: Describe the outcome of the risk, including both the positive and negative consequences. Be honest about any mistakes you made and what you learned from the experience. Whether it was a success or a lesson learned, be honest and reflective about the outcome and how it influenced your future decisions.
5. Emphasize your skills: Use this opportunity to highlight your skills and abilities, including your problem-solving, decision-making, and leadership skills.

Sample Answers

Here are a few good answers of how you can answer the question "Tell me about a time you took a risk at work? What was the result?".

Sample Answer 1

"One time I took a risk at work was when I suggested a new marketing strategy for our company's product launch. I had noticed that our previous marketing efforts were not yielding the desired results, so I proposed a new approach that was a bit unconventional. My team was initially hesitant about the idea, but I presented them with data and research to support my proposal.

The risk paid off, as the new strategy resulted in a significant increase in sales and positive feedback from customers. This experience taught me the importance of taking calculated risks and not being afraid to challenge the status quo."

Sample Answer 2

"In my previous role as a project manager, we were facing a tight deadline and a limited budget. I knew that in order to meet the deadline, we needed to take a risk and make some changes to our project plan. I proposed that we streamline our process and cut out some of the unnecessary steps. While this meant taking on more responsibility myself and asking my team to work longer hours, I felt confident that we could deliver the project on time.

The result was that we were able to meet the deadline and deliver a high-quality project. However, there were some challenges along the way, including some team members who were resistant to the changes and some unexpected setbacks. I learned a lot from this experience, including the importance of effective communication and the value of taking calculated risks in order to achieve success."

Sample Answer 3

"In my previous job, I took a risk by volunteering to lead a project that was outside of my area of expertise. The project involved developing a new software tool for our company's internal use. Although I had limited experience in software development, I saw this as an opportunity to learn and grow professionally.

I immersed myself in the project, taking online courses and seeking advice from colleagues with more experience in the field. It was a challenging experience, but the end result was a successful software tool that saved our company time and money.

Taking this risk allowed me to expand my skill set and demonstrate my ability to take on new challenges. It also showed me the importance of continuous learning and development in the workplace."

Bad Sample Answers

Bad Answer 1: The Irrelevant Risk

"I once bet half of my savings on the stock market on a whim. It was a huge risk for me personally, and unfortunately, I ended up losing most of it. But it was a thrilling experience!"

Why It's Bad: This answer is inappropriate because it focuses on a personal financial risk, which is irrelevant to a professional setting. It also suggests impulsiveness rather than calculated decision-making.

Bad Answer 2: The Non-Risk

"Well, there was this one time I decided to rearrange my desk and change the way I organized my files. It was a risk because I was used to the old way, but it ended up working out fine."

Why It's Bad: This example trivializes the concept of risk. Rearranging a desk or changing file organization doesn't typically constitute a significant risk in a professional context.

Bad Answer 3: The Unreflective Failure

"I once pushed for a project I believed in, but no one else did. We went through with it, and it failed miserably. It was a complete disaster, and I still think it wasn't my fault. The team just didn't work hard enough."

Why It's Bad: This answer portrays a lack of reflection and accountability. Blaming the team and not recognizing one's own role in the failure or what could have been learned from the experience is a red flag for employers.

Bad Answer 4: The Exaggerated Risk

"I took a massive risk when I argued with my boss in front of everyone about a policy change. I stood my ground because I believed I was right. It didn't change the outcome, but I showed everyone I wasn't afraid to speak up."

Why It's Bad: While standing up for one's beliefs can be positive, openly arguing with a boss can be seen as confrontational and lacking in professionalism. It suggests a lack of judgment and understanding of workplace dynamics.

Mistakes To Avoid While Answering This Question

1. Choosing Irrelevant Risks: Avoid personal risks or examples that don't relate to a professional context.
2. Ignoring the Learning Aspect: Don't just focus on success or failure; emphasize what you learned from the experience. Ensure your answer shows thoughtful consideration and understanding of the risk's impact.
3. Being Impulsive and Neglecting Relevance: Avoid giving the impression that the risk was taken without proper thought or planning.Choose a risk that aligns with the responsibilities or values of the role you're applying for.
4. Being Overly Negative and Vague: Even if the risk didn't pay off, avoid overly negative language; focus on growth and learning.Provide specific details to give a clear and comprehensive picture of the situation.

Conclusion

By following these tips, you can deliver a strong and effective response to the question, "Tell me about a time you took a risk at work? What was the result?" that showcases your skills and experience in a positive light.

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