Describe a time you successfully handled a stressful situation.

Example: "My supervisor had a family emergency during a sales

conference and left before we presented to advertisers. I had to
finish the presentation with only a few notes my supervisor wrote
before leaving. I called a meeting with my three other colleagues
and together we made changes, strengthening our presentation.
After pitching to the advertisers, we secured three new accounts
and two other renewals."

Share a time you made a mistake at work and how you corrected
it.

Mistakes are often inevitable, though how you handle them can often be more
important than the error itself. A strong answer is one that shows ownership of
the error and impactful steps you took to correct it or prevent it from
happening again.

Example: "Early in my computer sales career, I accidentally misquoted the price for

a server package. I let my manager know, which he appreciated. I suggested we
notify the customer with the correct higher estimate and offer to waive the
installation fee. The customer kindly understood and still selected us for the job, in
part because they valued how I handled things, and I kept an updated price list at
my desk to prevent another mistake."

3. Explain to me how you handle pressure at work.

This question shows an interviewer how you handle pressure and stress at work
for any role or position. A strong answer showcases a specific example with a
successful outcome or one you might have done differently.

Example: "An international musical theatre production got cancelled because of

extreme weather and with only five days' notice, the executive producer selected
three national venues with entirely different stage and lighting specifications. I had
to apply our set designs to the new venues. My team and several others worked
quickly to alter designs, props, and lighting, making the show even more rewarding
because of our efforts."
4. Recount a time you and a peer had a conflict and how it got
resolved.

Since workplaces have distinct personalities with various communication styles,

it can be common for conflict to arise. This question aims to see how you
handle conflict with peers and what strategies you use to reach agreeable
solutions.

Example: "A new member of our sales team had a unique approach to closing
deals, and some felt it was too aggressive and misrepresented our company. I did
not want my colleague to feel reprimanded if I went to our boss, so I asked them to
lunch instead. We had a productive conversation, and I used open-ended questions
to learn more about their work style. It turns out he sensed his approach was not
working well, too. He asked for my guidance, advice and expertise on how to
improve his sales pitch. We now have a great mentorship going, and he has
increased his monthly quotas by 20% and brought in new clients."

5. Tell me a time you make an unpopular decision at work and how

you implemented it.

An effective answer to this question might show how you move forward with
unpopular decisions and communicate to teams for their support.

Example: "In my last role, employees could switch shifts as long as each one got
covered, though it meant managers did not know who would be there when. I
implemented a process to have supervisors approve schedule changes, which
initially had resistance. I wrote an email communication explaining the process and
the reason behind it, reassuring employees it did not mean shift changes would not
get approved. The new method works well and employees continue to enjoy
flexibility."

6. Share with me how you create goals.

This behavioural question aims to learn about your method for goal setting and
how you achieve them. Consider an answer that clearly explains your methods
and techniques, with a specific example.

Example: "My goal of becoming a chef started in my teens. I wrote a plan of what

experience I needed and outlined my educational path. I worked as a server at a
restaurant first and saved money for culinary school and volunteered at food
pantries and community kitchens to gain cooking skills. I placed value on all
culinary experiences and consider each an element of my success."
7. Describe an example of how you motivate and encourage
coworkers, teammates or employees.

This question aims to see actionable ways you motivate others. Consider an
answer that directly shows how your input led to a good outcome.

Example: "Our company installed new software that was unfamiliar with a

coworker. She was worried it would affect her performance. I adapted to the
computer program easily, so requested me to stay late twice a week to help her gain
skills in using it. She became so proficient that she now gives me tips to use."

8. Explain a creative solution you implemented to solve a problem.

This question aims to get insight into your level of creativity and problem-
solving abilities. Consider sharing an example that offers a unique solution.

Example: "I approach budgets as unique challenges and like using my creativity to

stay below budget. If an initial design concept exceeds my budget, I find alternative
ideas. For example, a canvas backdrop was too expensive for a television
commercial, but a muslin backdrop was well below cost and provided softer
backlighting."

Extra Questions:

1. Tell me about a goal you reached and how you achieved it."
2. "Describe a goal you failed to achieve and what transpired."
3. "Share a time you prioritised a task over something else and why."
4. "Give an example of how you handle multitasking in one day."
5. "Recount a long-term project you completed. How did you keep the
project on time and organised?"
6. "Share a time you learned a new skill or responsibility quickly."
7. "Discuss an example of when you made a tough decision."
8. "Tell me about a time you had to be flexible."
9. "Elaborate on the proudest moment in your professional career and
why it is important to you."
10. "Has there ever been a time you felt dissatisfied with your work
or role and how did you handle that?"
 11. "Share how you stay motivated when doing repetitive tasks at
work."
12. "Explain a project you feel affected your company
significantly."
13. "Recount a time you had to say no at work."
14. "Describe a time you had to work closely with a colleague
whose personality differed from yours."
15. "Tell me about a time you considered yourself an excellent
leader."
16. "Share a time you felt you went beyond the standard
responsibilities of your job."
17. "Recount a time when you disagreed with someone."

Give me an example of a time you had a conflict with a team

member. How did you handle it?

A wide range of positions involve working in teams, and this question aims to
assess your conflict management and resolution skills. It also evaluates how
well you value and relate to your colleagues, even if you might disagree with
them. In your answer, consider discussing a specific time when you and a
colleague disagreed on solving a problem or experienced personal differences.
Mention what you did to resolve the conflict with your team member. 

Example: "At LabCorp Inc., my team was responsible for completing a project with
a short deadline. I decided it would be best to delegate individual tasks to each
team member, but one person disagreed and thought it would be better to meet to
work on it together for a few days each week. I decided to schedule a lunch meeting
with this team member to understand his idea better and why he disagreed. 

After this meeting, we compromised by completing the smaller tasks individually

and working on the larger ones as a group. Our team was able to complete the task
before the deadline. I also gained a better understanding of my team members and
their work preferences and learned that compromise can sometimes be the best way
to resolve a conflict quickly."

Related: Answering "Tell Me About a Time You Had a Conflict at Work"

2. Tell me about a time you made a mistake at work. How did you
resolve the problem, and what did you learn from your mistake?

Interviewers understand that mistakes can occur at work, and they may ask this
question to assess your ability to handle challenging situations and learn from
them. It can offer them insight into your ability to admit your mistakes and
show how you respond to new situations. In your answer, showcase your
integrity and ability to admit and correct your mistakes by describing a time you
made a mistake and explaining the steps you took to overcome it. 

Example: "I had just started working as a member of the wait staff at Coppa's
Restaurant when a customer at one of my tables ordered a salad. She said she
wanted her peanuts removed because she's allergic to them, but I neglected to
inform the kitchen staff. When I brought the dish out, she thankfully noticed the
problem before she started eating. 

She was upset about the peanuts, and as the waiter, I recognized that I made a
mistake when I failed to inform the kitchen of her allergy. I promptly apologized and
offered her a coupon rather than charging her for the meal, which she gratefully
accepted. From this experience, I learned the importance of listening to customers
and avoided making the same mistake."

Read more: Interview Question: "Tell Me About a Time You Made a

Mistake"

3. Describe an occasion when you had to manage your time to

complete a task. How did you do it?

This question can also apply to a wide range of roles, and interviewers ask it to
assess your ability to manage your time and prioritize various tasks. It allows
you to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to work within time
constraints. It can also help the interviewer understand your work ethic and
how you handle complex situations. In your answer, discuss your strategies for
managing your time and outline the tools you use to stay on task and track
deadlines.

Example: "Broad Idea Magazine released a special edition every quarter, and I was
on the writing team last year. My editor needed three 2,000-word stories from me
for the quarter's upcoming special edition in January. Due to various production
delays, I had only two weeks to write them, so I scheduled as much time as possible
to research, write and edit each story. I set routine reminders for myself and
carefully planned out each day before the deadline. By managing my time, I was
able to complete the stories three days ahead of schedule."

Related: Interview Question: "Tell Me About a Time Your Faced Adversity"

4. Describe an occasion when you failed at a task. What did you

learn from it?

This is another behavioral interview question that aims to assess your self-
awareness and your ability to reflect on past experiences. Employers ask this
question to determine how you respond to setbacks and challenges. They also
use it to evaluate your resilience and willingness to take responsibility for your
actions. Provide a detailed example of a time when you failed to complete a
task correctly and demonstrate your growth mindset by highlighting what you
did to improve your skills. 

Example: "At Bright Star Shipping, my team had the opportunity to bid for a multi-
million dollar contract. Our responsibility was to complete a sales presentation. We
had a week to prepare for it, but I spent too much time on other projects, which
caused me to rush my portion of the presentation and submit it with typos and
spelling mistakes. I also forgot to include several important facts in the slides, and
my team didn't win the contract. 

After that experience, I learned how important it is to prioritize my projects. Each

week, I write my tasks in a planner and choose to work on more complex projects
when I know I am the most productive. As a result, I slowly improved my  time
management  skills so I could have more time to create an appealing and
persuasive presentation for our next bid."

Read more: Interview Question: "Tell Me About a Time You Failed"

5. Tell me about a time you took the initiative in your career. What
was your motivation for doing so?

Interviewers ask this question to assess your dedication to your role and team,
as well as your willingness to contribute to the organization's success. You can
use your answer to showcase integrity, selflessness and teamwork. In your
answer, describe a situation where you helped others or offered to complete a
task or work on a project in addition to completing your regular duties.

Example: "Last summer, senior executives at H.B. Bank visited our regional office.
In preparation, our management asked my team to compile a report that included
spreadsheets and a slide presentation to show our performance over the previous
12 months. The week before, the team member we assigned the spreadsheet to
became ill and could not complete it. Knowing how important it was, I volunteered
to work on the spreadsheet on her behalf, and my completed work impressed the
senior management, resulting in my supervisor publicly thanking me for my
additional contributions."

Related: "Tell Me About a Time You Went Above and Beyond" (4 Answers)

6. Describe a time when you used your leadership skills to

motivate your team or colleagues. 

Employers might ask you his question if you're applying for a supervisor,
manager, team lead or shift leader leadership position. This question allows the
interviewer to assess your leadership, teamwork and interpersonal skills and
determine how well you can motivate others to perform tasks and complete
projects effectively. In your answer, describe the strategies you used to
promote productivity and encourage success when completing a project or
executing an initiative. 

Example: "My former employer, Yan, Inc., completed a merger two years ago that
lowered morale for some teams. My department had new management that gave us
new, unfamiliar responsibilities. I noticed a decrease in our overall productivity, so I
led a weekly workshop where we learned new skills to help us become more
productive and engaged in our roles. As a result of this professional development
training, morale and overall engagement increased by 37% over the next six
months."

Related: Tell Me About a Time You Demonstrated Leadership Skills

7. Describe a time when you were responsible for a task you didn't
receive training on and were unsure how to complete. How did
you handle it?

This question aims to assess your ability to adapt to challenges and use your
problem-solving skills. It also tests your ability to handle unexpected situations
and work effectively, even with some uncertainties. You can use your answer to
demonstrate your ability to complete tasks where you have little or no
experience and showcase your willingness to use such an opportunity as a
learning experience. 
Example: "I had been at PhiBeta Software as a Visual Basic developer for four years
when the company decided to begin using Java instead. Most of my colleagues
already had Java skills, but I only knew VB and COBOL. I wanted to continue working
at PhiBeta Software, but the company was small and lacked the resources to offer
training, so I enrolled in a Java class at my local community college and invested in
some books to learn the basics of the language. Soon, I was able to help my team
convert our existing code base to Java."

Please note that none of the companies mentioned in this article are affiliated with
Indeed.

Related: Interview Question: "How Do You Handle Change?"

8. Share an example of a career goal you had. What steps did you
take to achieve it?

This question tests your ability to work toward achieving your goals. Employers
also ask it to assess your thought processes and your desire to accomplish your
goals. It can help them determine whether you have promotion potential within
the company. In your answer, clearly outline a previous career goal and explain
what you did to accomplish it.

Example: "When I graduated with a bachelor's degree in marketing, my two-year

goal was to work at an advertising firm as a  digital strategist. I didn't have much
direct advertising experience, so I got an internship where I was responsible for
advertising insurance products. I also earned a certification in digital advertising
and completed online courses in my free time. Last year, I earned a position as an
entry-level digital strategist at a firm in San Diego, where I trained with a senior
brand designer."

Related: Interview Question: "How Do You Plan To Achieve Your Goals?"

9. Give an example of a time when you had to make a difficult

decision. How did you handle it?

This is another question that employers often ask if you're applying for a
leadership position. It assesses your decision-making skills and ability to think
clearly and critically. Use your answer to illustrate your ability to use good
judgment. Try to choose a decision that was important to the company's
growth. 
Example: "In my previous role as an  assistant manager, I was responsible for
promoting an employee on the sales team to the sales lead position. There were
several highly qualified and self-motivated employees, which made the decision
difficult. After reviewing sales data and performance assessments carefully, I made
my decision. To reduce animosity and tension among the candidates, I met with
each candidate individually after I made the decision to explain my thought process
before formally announcing it to the entire team."

Related: Interview Question: "What's the Most Difficult Decision You've

Had to Make?"

10. Describe your process for solving problems. What steps do you
take to resolve important issues at work?

Employers ask this question to evaluate your ability to solve problems

independently. It helps them determine how well you adapt to challenges at
work. They also use this question to assess the specific techniques you use to
resolve important issues. In your answer, describe the problems you typically
encounter at work and list the specific steps you take to resolve these issues. 

Example: "In my current role as a  mechanical engineer, I resolve a variety of

problems related to changing timelines, equipment malfunctions and workplace
hazards. With any issue, I first determine the different factors involved before
meeting with the relevant parties. Last month, for example, I noticed an issue with
the blueprints for an air-conditioning system I was building. After documenting the
issue, I met with the drafting team and shared my concerns, and they were able to
provide me with updated blueprints."

Tell me about a time when you had to juggle

multiple priority tasks. How did you decide where
to begin?
“In my last administrative assistant position, I was given two high-priority tasks
from two different managers I supported. The deadlines for each were tight,
and both projects were vital, so the nature of the duties alone wasn’t enough
to establish how I should approach the situation.

“To figure out how to proceed, I took a moment to outline the required steps
for both tasks. This allowed me to estimate the time necessary while also
ensuring I wouldn’t overlook something critical.
“I then decided to start with the duty that had the lowest amount of time
required. My main reason is that one could be completed in hours and the
other would take a few days. By choosing the shorter one first, I could fully
wrap up that responsibility, eliminating the need to provide updates in the
coming days on that assignment, giving me more time to focus on the tasks
themselves, and allowing me to complete both by the deadline.”

2. How do you manage stress on the job?

While I’ve found that some stress actually pushes me to be my best, it’s also
essential to ensure that my stress levels remain reasonable. One approach I’ve
found that works for me is focusing on organization.

“I’m a big fan of breaking large responsibilities down into small tasks, making
them feel more manageable and giving me a roadmap to follow. For a recent
project in my current job, I divided the work up into ten micro-goals. Then, I
blocked out time on my calendar for every activity. Not only does this keep me
on target, but it also reduces the odds that I’ll feel overwhelmed.

3. Tell me about a time when you had a conflict

with a coworker. How did you navigate the
situation?
“As a member of my current employer’s IT department, COVID-19 required
some quick pivoting. I was part of a team that managed remote work
permissions and technologies for the organization. When it became clear that
a shelter-in-place order may be on the horizon, we had to reprioritize quickly,
ensuring we could get everyone their needed credentials, applications, and
devices handled as fast as possible.

“I spoke with my manager about my workload, allowing us to identify tasks

that could be set aside temporarily. After that, prioritized the employee list
based on their position, ensuring those who needed to stay connected were
handled before those where a short delay wouldn’t be as problematic.

“Then, I dedicated as much time and effort to setting up telecommuting

solutions as possible. This includes everything from ordering mobile devices
and laptops, coordinating the service providers to add relevant user accounts,
and creating initial training documents to ensure those who began working
remotely had the information they needed to transition as seamlessly as
possible. While the situation was challenging, I was able to complete
everything tasked to me before a shelter-in-place order was issued in our area,
and even had time to assist others, increasing the success of the entire
project.”

5. Can you tell me about a time when you failed

on the job?
“In my first job, I had trouble gauging my workload. After getting my first big
solo project, I underestimated the time it would take to complete the work and
handle my other duties. As a result, I gave the client a deadline that was
ultimately unrealistic, and I wasn’t able to deliver in time.

“The client was understandably displeased when I informed them that the
project would be late. I made sure to take full responsibility for the issue and
worked with them to ensure the project was completed to their satisfaction,
albeit behind schedule.

“In the end, they were pleased with the results. However, the moment when I
had to inform them that the deadline would be missed stuck with me. It
became a powerful lesson for me about time estimates and workload
assessments. I used what I learned to improve my approach and, since that
project, have finished every project either on time or early.”

6. Tell me about a time when you led a team.

EXAMPLE ANSWER:
“In my last position, I was tasked with overseeing the transition to a new order
management system. This involved coordinating with multiple teams to ensure
that the date from the existing solution would transition successfully to the
new one. Additionally, I had to communicate with all of the end-users,
ensuring they knew about use limitations or downtime in advance.

“I created a project plan for the transition and implementation, and worked
closely with each team to ensure the timeline was workable. Along the way, I
monitored progress, answered questions, and facilitated conversations to keep
everyone on the same page. Additionally, I provided reports to the leadership
team, ensuring they were informed.
“Ultimately, the project was a success. All of the transferred data was in place,
and we finished on time, ensuring the company could reach full productivity
on the desired schedule.”

 Describe a time when you had to deal with an

upset customer. How did you handle it?
“At my current job, a customer contacted us saying they were displeased with
their most recent order. Along with complaining about the product, they began
yelling threats about what they would do if they weren’t issued a refund and
given a new item immediately.

“I didn’t take the tone personally, as I was certain it was out of frustration. I
pulled up the customer’s file to learn more about the order, as well as review
their history with the company. At that time, I discovered that they had been
placing regular orders for some time, and this appeared to be the first time
they called about an issue.

“I apologized for the inconvenience and began asking clarifying questions to

ensure I fully understood the nature of the issue. As I spoke, I focused on
keeping my tone calm and professional.

“While company policy didn’t typically allow a replacement and refund, it also
gave me some leeway when it came to finding a solution, particularly since
they had been a loyal customer for some time. I explained what was usually
allowed in these situations but requested a moment to consult with my
manager regarding the issue. I was able to secure them a replacement product
and a 20 percent discount on a future order. Ultimately, the customer was
happy with the outcome, and they remained a customer during the rest of my
time there, and possibly beyond.”

8. How do you approach goal-setting?

“I believe goal-setting is essential, as it helps me focus my efforts based on
organizational objectives. My preferred approach is to review the company’s
priorities and how they relate to my position. Then, I create well-defined,
actionable targets using the SMART goals process. That way, I have clear
objectives that are measurable and motivating.
“However, I also go the extra mile, breaking down larger goals into micro-
goals. That way, I can see every step between myself and the objective, creating
a roadmap that guides me toward success.”

9. Tell me about your greatest professional

accomplishment.
“My biggest achievement was revamping the company’s marketing approach,
leading to a 34 percent increase in sales within six months. The past campaign
wasn’t resonating with younger buyers, causing us to lose market share. I
refocused our strategy to make it more social media-focused, creating a
comprehensive campaign that worked well on platforms that appealed more
to the target audience. Ultimately, this allowed us to reach our target
demographic, boosting overall profitability and securing a solid ROI.

10. Tell me about a time you had to make an

unpopular decision. 
“When I was a manager at ABC restaurant, employees were originally able to
change shifts with one another without notifying management in advance.
While it was convenient for team members, management wasn’t able to
effectively predict an employee’s hour, at times leading to unplanned overtime.
Additionally, if someone didn’t arrive for a shift, there could be confusion
regarding who was actually responsible for the no-show.

“As a result, I had to make the decision to bar shift changes that weren’t
presented to management before the scheduled time arrived. While it wasn’t a
popular choice, it did streamline timekeeping and scheduling while also
ensuring no-shows were properly noted in the correct employee’s files.”

Tell me about a time when you had to work with a difficult or uncooperative
team member. How did you handle the situation?
Example Solution: In a group project, a team member was consistently unresponsive
and seemed disinterested. To address this, I initiated a one-on-one conversation to
understand their perspective. I found out they were struggling with personal issues
affecting their focus. I offered my support, redistributed tasks to alleviate their
workload, and scheduled regular check-ins to ensure progress. This not only
improved their engagement but also fostered a better team dynamic.
Describe a situation where you faced a significant setback on a project. How did
you react and recover from it?
Example Solution: During a software development project, a critical component failed
testing close to the deadline. I immediately communicated the issue to the team and
the stakeholders. Together, we analyzed the root cause, restructured our approach,
and redistributed tasks based on team strengths. We worked extended hours,
maintaining open communication, and successfully delivered a functional solution
just in time.
Can you share an example of a time when you had to adapt to a sudden
change in project requirements? How did you manage the change and
ensure project success?
Example Solution: In the middle of a marketing campaign, the client's
objectives shifted significantly. To adapt, I organized a brainstorming session
with the team to quickly generate new ideas. We revised the strategy,
reallocated resources, and communicated the changes transparently to the
client. This ensured alignment, client satisfaction, and a successful campaign
despite the unexpected shift.
Tell me about an instance when you had to give constructive feedback to
a colleague or team member. How did you approach the conversation?
Example Solution: I noticed a teammate struggling with time management and
quality control in their work. In a private conversation, I began by
acknowledging their strengths and contributions. Then, I delicately addressed
the areas for improvement, providing specific examples and actionable
suggestions. I emphasized my intention to help them succeed and offered my
support in implementing the feedback.

Describe a situation where you had to balance multiple competing

priorities or tasks. How did you prioritize and manage your time
effectively?
Example Solution: During finals week, I had multiple assignments and
a part-time job. I created a detailed schedule, allocating time for each
task based on deadlines and complexity. I also identified areas where
I could delegate or seek assistance. Regular breaks helped maintain
focus, and I adjusted my plan as needed. By sticking to this organized
approach, I successfully completed all tasks without compromising
quality.

These example solutions follow the STAR method, outlining the situation,
task, action, and result in each scenario. Remember that these are just
examples, and you should adapt them to your own experiences and stories
to showcase your skills and qualities effectively during an interview.
.” 

PAST QUESTIONS:

Why do you want to join Accenture?

Throughout my academic and professional journey, I've come to admire

Accenture's reputation for innovation, diverse client portfolio, and
commitment to excellence. I've encountered several instances that align
with my career aspirations and values, which is why I'm excited about the
opportunity to contribute to the company's success.

During my internship at XYZ Company, I had the chance to work on a

project where we partnered with Accenture to implement a complex digital
transformation strategy. Seeing firsthand how Accenture's team
collaborated, tackled challenges, and leveraged cutting-edge technologies
left a lasting impression on me. The emphasis on innovation and the ability
to execute such transformative projects is truly inspiring.

Moreover, I've researched Accenture extensively and appreciate its focus on

professional development. The vast range of training programs and
resources, coupled with the emphasis on mentorship and career
progression, aligns perfectly with my goal of continuous learning and
growth.

Additionally, I resonate deeply with Accenture's commitment to diversity

and inclusion. As someone who values diverse perspectives and teamwork,
I'm excited about the opportunity to contribute to a global company that
prioritizes these principles.

In conclusion, I want to join Accenture because it offers the ideal platform

for me to learn, grow, and contribute to impactful projects. The company's
dedication to innovation, professional development, and inclusive work
culture aligns perfectly with my aspirations, and I'm eager to be a part of
the team that drives positive change and transformative solutions."
Remember to personalize your response based on your own experiences,
values, and research about Accenture. This example aims to showcase
enthusiasm for the company's values, culture, and opportunities for growth.

What would you do to overcome a crisis in a difficult situation?

"In a hypothetical scenario where I'm faced with a crisis in a difficult

situation, my primary focus would be on remaining calm, assessing the
situation, and taking decisive actions to mitigate the impact of the crisis.
Here's how I would approach it:

1. Assess the Situation: My first step would be to gather as much

information as possible about the crisis. I'd aim to understand the
scope of the problem, its potential consequences, and any immediate
threats that need to be addressed.
2. Prioritize and Plan: With a clear understanding of the situation, I
would prioritize the critical tasks that need to be addressed. I'd
formulate a comprehensive plan that outlines the steps required to
handle the crisis effectively.
3. Communication: Effective communication is crucial during a crisis. I
would ensure that all relevant stakeholders are informed about the
situation, the actions being taken, and any changes to the original
plan. Transparency and clear communication would help manage
expectations and maintain trust.
4. Gather Expertise: Depending on the nature of the crisis, I would
collaborate with relevant experts or team members who possess the
necessary skills and knowledge to contribute to the solution.
Teamwork is essential in crisis management.
5. Adapt and Make Decisions: As the situation unfolds, I would remain
adaptable and open to making quick decisions based on new
information. Sometimes, circumstances may change rapidly, and
flexibility is key to effective crisis management.
6. Implement Mitigation Strategies: I would implement mitigation
strategies based on the plan I formulated earlier. These strategies
could involve addressing immediate risks, stabilizing the situation,
and minimizing any potential damage.
 7. Continuous Monitoring: Throughout the crisis, I would closely
monitor the progress of our actions and adjust the plan as needed.
Regular assessments would help ensure that our efforts are on track
and that any emerging challenges are addressed promptly.
8. Learn and Improve: Once the crisis has been successfully managed, I
would conduct a thorough post-crisis analysis. This would involve
evaluating the effectiveness of our response, identifying areas for
improvement, and documenting lessons learned to enhance our crisis
management strategies in the future.

In summary, my approach to overcoming a crisis in a difficult situation

involves clear communication, strategic planning, collaboration,
adaptability, and a commitment to continuous improvement. By remaining
level-headed and taking proactive steps, I believe I can effectively navigate
through challenging circumstances and lead a team toward a successful
resolution."**

Feel free to personalize this answer based on your own experiences and
insights into crisis management.

Why Consulting?
 That’s a great question. I’ve thought about it a lot and there are three main reasons. First, the
opportunity to work on really challenging business problems. Second, the opportunity to work
closely with talented colleagues. And third, the variety of work you experience as a consultant.

Let me talk more about why these are important to me.

First, I am attracted to the idea of working on challenging business problems. I led a lot of
research during the course of my Psychology degree at university. Ultimately, research is
about identifying an important problem, developing a hypothesis, and then trying to prove or
disprove that hypothesis. Although I realised that I enjoyed business more than psychology, I
really enjoyed research and the idea of solving really tricky but valuable problems.

Second, I am excited about the prospect of working with high performing talented teams.
During my internship with Chase Bank, I worked alongside a McKinsey team that was running
an organizational design project. I became close to a new consultant named Chris Brookes,
and he walked me through his team, how they operate, and how they ensure an “only
McKinsey” level of insight. I admired Chris and the team, and it’s a personal goal of mine to
work in a team just like that.

Finally, I’ve been thinking a lot about the philosophy of being a specialist versus a generalist.
There are certainly benefits to specializing and becoming a domain expert in a particular area.
But for me, I really enjoy the novelty of working on different problem spaces; taking ideas and
concepts from one space and applying them in another. That’s why I took such a breadth of
subjects at university. Plus, at this stage of my career, I should take the opportunity to
experience different business functions and problems to get a better feel for what interests me.

What are your 3 achievements that you are proud of?

1) Getting into Hansraj College was one of the proud moments

for me as well as my family.
2) Handling the Position of responsibilities as technical heads
in two most renowned societies of our college i.e.
entrepreneurial cell and TedX Hansraj.
3) Getting an opportunity to interview with one of the most
prestigious organisations as I have been eying for this
opportunity since the day I stepped into college.

Who has the biggest influence on you?

DIY
OR
My mother has been a parent, a coach and a teacher and has affected my life more than
any other person I know. She has taught thru example in the face of tragedy and fear.
She has shown us love and respect and the importance of always getting back up after
you fall. She is a survivor and will forever be my hero. As a single parent my mom has
seen us through a difficult divorce, trauma and financial hardship. She made peanut
butter sandwiches work when we could afford no more and we loved it. She taught us
family is always more important than riches. When we were left homeless by a tornado
she taught us how lucky we were to only be homeless because we were alive and had
each other. Only my mom could show us the blessing of being homeless. She is amazing.
As a coach my mom has taught my brothers and I to play sports. She has often coached
our teams and worked 2 jobs but almost never missed a game. She is our hardest critic
and our biggest fan. She has made sure we knew the importance of both team work and
individual achievement. This year she has worked tons of overtime so that I could tour
colleges across the country and live my dream. She has taught me to know no
boundaries and to go out and not only get what I want but to enjoy and appreciate the
opportunity of the quest. But most importantly we have been raised to know at the end
of the day you need to love and appreciate what you have. What I have is a great mom,
coach, friend and inspiration…

What are your plans for Higher Education?

Ans: I am not having any immediate plans for the same since I wanted to have some
handful practical experience before stepping into any Masters degree so that I can
actually implement my skillset there to learn better. But, I will surely pursue masters in
the future since learning has no ends and I really wish to contribute myself to the fullest
in the organisation I m working with.

Tell us about a work situation where you were criticized for your work and what was your
response?
Ans: I remember when I was in my first year and was in technical department of the
society. I made a graphic spending 5-6 hours during my exams and when I shared the
final draft, the seniors highly denied for the design. They criticized me for the kind of
theme I used and also for the text choice since it wasn’t matching with our official social
media handles. I felt bad but then I sat after an hour and observed the past graphics
carefully. I realized where my graphic was not aligning with the past graphics that have
been posted. Then, the other day after my exam was done, I made a new one from
scratch, keeping in mind all the details and shared the new one in the evening.

Why do you want to join D. E. Shaw?

Ans: I am thrilled about the prospect of joining D. E. Shaw because of the

firm's reputation for cutting-edge innovation, quantitative research, and its
unique approach to tackling complex challenges in finance and technology.

From my research and conversations with current employees, it's clear that
D. E. Shaw fosters an environment that encourages intellectual curiosity and
collaboration. I am drawn to the idea of working alongside some of the
brightest minds in the industry, where I can both contribute my skills and
learn from a diverse group of experts.
I am deeply excited about D. E. Shaw's commitment to pushing the
boundaries of technology and its application to finance. The firm's focus on
leveraging data-driven insights to create innovative investment strategies
aligns well with my background in data analysis and technology-driven
problem solving.

Moreover, D. E. Shaw's interdisciplinary approach to problem solving

appeals to me. The opportunity to work at the intersection of finance,
mathematics, and technology is both challenging and rewarding. I believe
that my analytical mindset, quantitative skills, and passion for technology
make me well-suited to contribute effectively in this environment.

Furthermore, D. E. Shaw's track record of maintaining a strong ethical

foundation and commitment to responsible investing resonates with my
personal values. Being part of an organization that places importance on
both financial success and ethical practices is important to me.

In summary, the combination of D. E. Shaw's intellectual rigor, technological

innovation, and commitment to ethical practices makes it an ideal fit for
me. I am excited about the possibility of contributing to the firm's mission
and being a part of a team that continually pushes the boundaries of
finance and technology."

Please remember to personalize your response based on your own

experiences, skills, and reasons for wanting to join D. E. Shaw.

Why should we hire you?

Ans: