Why do interviewers ask if you’re a risk taker? Because risk can mean very different things depending on the role. In some jobs, taking risks is necessary to achieve big wins—like introducing a bold idea that gives the company a competitive edge. In other positions, especially those needing precision and safety, being too risky could be a problem.
When interviewers ask this, they’re checking whether your approach to risk-taking aligns with the job’s requirements. A creative role might appreciate a willingness to try new approaches, while a detail-oriented role may need someone who makes careful, measured choices. Tailoring your answer to show that your attitude toward risk makes sense for the job can be the key to landing it.
What Interviewers Want to Hear About You Taking Risks
Hiring managers ask about risk to understand your decision-making style in uncertain situations. They want to know if you’ll take smart risks and make good choices when outcomes aren’t guaranteed.
They’re not just looking for a simple yes or no. Instead, they hope you’ll share a real example of how you handle tough calls. Whether you decided to take a risk or hold back, a thoughtful story helps them determine whether your style suits their needs.
How to Answer “Are You a Risk Taker?”
Think about the job requirements first
Before answering, consider what the role involves. For a position where careful compliance is essential, the interviewer wants to hear that you prioritize safety and consistency. In a position that values innovation, they may appreciate hearing that you’re open to trying new things.
Check the job description for clues. If it highlights “creative thinking” or “innovation,” it might welcome a bit of risk-taking. If it focuses on “accuracy” or “stability,” emphasize that you’re thoughtful and cautious. Showing you understand the role’s context and can adjust your behavior accordingly impresses employers.
Show a balanced approach to risk
Most companies want someone who isn’t too cautious or too reckless. They appreciate employees who thoughtfully assess the pros and cons before acting.
In your answer, present yourself as a balanced decision-maker. Explain that you’re open to taking a chance if the potential payoff is significant and the risks are manageable. Mention that you weigh possible outcomes, consider the impact on the team or company, and then decide if moving forward makes sense.
Share a real example of your decision-making
Bring your approach to life by giving an example. Describe a scenario from your past where you chose whether or not to take a risk. Show what was at stake, how you assessed the options, and what happened in the end.
Pick a story that shows a positive outcome or, at least, a valuable lesson learned. Maybe you decided to invest time in a new project idea that paid off with a big win, or perhaps you played it safe and prevented a costly mistake. The goal is to let the interviewer see your reasoning in action.
How Not to Answer
Avoid mentioning reckless or risky behavior
Steer clear of stories that sound careless or unsafe. Hiring managers want to know you can exercise good judgment. Avoid examples where you took a wild chance without thinking things through, especially if it led to negative results. Focus on calculated, responsible choices.
Sample Answers to “Are You a Risk Taker?”
Example #1
“I don’t consider myself a big risk-taker, but I believe in taking well-thought-out chances when it can lead to better results. At a previous company, I was preparing a presentation for a new client. My manager suggested sticking to our standard format, but after researching the client’s interests, I proposed adding interactive elements and creative visuals. This approach required extra work and came with uncertainty, but I felt it could make our proposal stand out.
The presentation turned out to be a success—the client loved the fresh approach, and my manager appreciated that I pushed us beyond our comfort zone in a smart, purposeful way.”
Why this example works:
The candidate shows a willingness to step outside the usual playbook, but only after thoughtful consideration. They demonstrate that their risk-taking is grounded in research and aimed at achieving a concrete goal.
Example #2
“In my role as a lab assistant, accuracy and safety always came first. Once, I noticed a set of samples that didn’t look quite right, even though someone else had approved them. Instead of passing them along, I decided to double-check. This took extra time, which felt like a small ‘risk’ against our schedule, but it turned out I caught a subtle error. Correcting it saved us from having to redo a week’s worth of work and ensured the data we provided was reliable.
For me, this kind of ‘risk’ is about taking the time to question things when needed rather than just rushing through a process. It shows I’m careful, responsible, and willing to slow down to protect quality.”
Why this example works:
The candidate shows that their risk-taking involves verifying quality rather than cutting corners. The story highlights thoughtfulness and attention to detail, crucial traits for a role that demands precision.
Example #3
“I’d describe myself as open to calculated risks. In a previous customer service position, I noticed we were handling a lot of the same questions repeatedly. I suggested developing a detailed FAQ section on our website. Although it wasn’t part of my regular responsibilities and meant investing time upfront, I believed it could improve efficiency in the long run.
After discussing the idea with my manager and a colleague, we created the FAQ. Within a few weeks, repetitive inquiries dropped, and our team could focus on resolving more complex issues. Taking that calculated risk helped streamline our workflow and improved the overall customer experience.”
Why this example works:
This answer shows initiative and a willingness to try something new to improve. The candidate weighed the potential downside (investing extra effort) against the likely gain (improved efficiency) and moved forward wisely. It’s a great demonstration of flexibility and forward-thinking.
Ultimately, “Are you a risk taker?” is about showing whether your approach to uncertainty fits the position’s needs. Whether you share a story of innovation or careful risk avoidance, make it clear that your choices are guided by thoughtful evaluation and the goal of achieving the best outcome.