Tell us about a difficult decision you had to make under pressure. How did you handle it?

Sample answer to the question

One difficult decision I had to make under pressure was during a storm at sea. I was serving as the Chief Mate on a cargo ship, and we encountered a severe storm that caused significant damage to the ship's hull. The Captain and I had to make a decision whether to continue the voyage or divert the ship to the nearest port for repairs. We had to consider the safety of the crew, the stability of the ship, and the financial implications of the decision. Ultimately, we decided to divert the ship to ensure the safety of everyone onboard. We communicated the decision to the crew and coordinated with the port authorities to arrange for repairs. It was a challenging decision to make under the intense pressure of the storm, but it was the right choice to prioritize safety.

A more solid answer

One challenging decision I had to make under extreme pressure was when I served as the Chief Mate on a container ship that experienced an engine failure in the middle of a busy shipping lane. It was a critical situation as we were at risk of colliding with other vessels. I immediately took charge by communicating with the Captain, who was on the bridge, and the engine room team. I quickly assessed the options available to us, considering the safety of the crew, the impact on the cargo, and the potential danger to other ships. After consulting with the Captain and the engineering team, I made the difficult decision to drop anchor to prevent further drift and potential collision. I coordinated with the deck crew to execute the maneuver safely and effectively. It required clear communication, swift decision-making, and strong leadership to handle the situation under immense pressure.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer expands on the basic answer by providing specific details about the candidate's role in handling the difficult decision under pressure. It demonstrates their skills in decision-making, leadership, crisis management, and responsibility. The candidate takes charge, assesses the situation, consults with the relevant teams, and effectively executes the chosen course of action. However, the answer could still be improved by further highlighting the candidate's ability to manage the stress of the situation and address any potential challenges that arose during the decision-making process.

An exceptional answer

One of the most challenging decisions I had to make under immense pressure was when I served as the Chief Mate on an oil tanker during a fuel leakage emergency. We were transporting a large quantity of highly flammable fuel when a pipeline rupture occurred, leading to a significant spill. The safety of the crew, the protection of the environment, and the mitigation of any potential hazards became my top priorities. In response, I immediately initiated the emergency protocol, directing the crew to activate the oil spill response equipment and deploy containment booms to prevent the spread of the spill. I also coordinated with the Captain, the engineering team, and local authorities to secure the situation. It required decisive decision-making, calm leadership, and effective communication to ensure the safety of the crew, minimize environmental damage, and comply with regulatory requirements. Despite the intense pressure, I remained focused and proactive in resolving the emergency, which resulted in a successful containment of the spill and minimal impact on the environment.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer goes above and beyond by providing a highly detailed and specific scenario of a difficult decision made under tremendous pressure. The candidate demonstrates their exceptional skills in decision-making, leadership, crisis management, and responsibility. They take immediate action, initiate the emergency protocol, coordinate with relevant teams, and communicate effectively. The answer showcases the candidate's ability to handle high-stress situations, prioritize safety and environmental protection, and successfully resolve the emergency. It effectively addresses all the evaluation areas and aligns with the job description requirements. No further improvements are needed.

How to prepare for this question

Reflect on previous experiences where you had to make difficult decisions under pressure.
Think about the specific challenges you faced and how you handled them.
Consider the impact of your decisions on safety, team members, and the overall situation.
Highlight your leadership skills, ability to remain calm under pressure, and effective communication strategies.
Practice articulating your decision-making process and the reasoning behind your choices.

What interviewers are evaluating

Decision-making
Leadership
Crisis management
Responsibility