Tell me about a time when you had to make a tough choice.

This question is used by interviewers to determine whether you can make difficult decisions when necessary. Make sure your response illustrates your ability to set priorities, such as the demands of the company and the welfare of a teammate. Demonstrate to them that you are capable of weighing multiple choices and making decisions that are in the best interests of both the company and the client.

Example:

I once had to make a difficult decision while working at a fast food restaurant since we got a sizable order for a party. One of my employees was having health issues and finding it difficult to meet the demand. I had to choose between trying to assist her in completing the order on time and requesting that she take a break so that she could recover.

I chose to ask her to take a break and step back after weighing my alternatives and the potential outcomes. I gave the customer a full explanation of the situation and made the option to make the order myself, even though it would take longer than anticipated. My coworker recovered and came back to work the following day when the customer accepted and understood the altered timeframe. This choice preserved my coworker's health and wellbeing and avoided any detrimental effects on the company.