Making decisions is a big part of any job. That’s why hiring managers often ask, “What do you find are the most difficult decisions to make?” They want to understand your thought process and see if they can trust your judgment. The decisions you find challenging also reveal your core values. Do you care most about helping customers? Doing quality work? Increasing efficiency? There’s no right or wrong answer, but they want to see if your priorities line up with the company’s.
They might ask this question in other ways, such as:
- Tell me about a time you had to make a difficult decision.
- What’s the hardest decision you’ve had to make?
This guide will help you demonstrate that you can be trusted to make good decisions and handle the job well. You’ll learn how to share your approach to tough choices so you can highlight values that align with the organization’s goals.
What Hiring Managers Want to Know About Your Decision-Making
When interviewers ask about hard choices, they’re not only curious why a particular decision was difficult for you. They also want to know how you arrived at your conclusion and what happened afterward. Sharing a real example—like doing the right thing when it’s not easy or making a decision you knew might not be popular—helps you stand out.
Interviewers are also interested in how you handle challenges. Making a tough decision isn’t always fun, and your answer shows them how you behave when the going gets tough. They want to know you can handle difficult situations and still do quality work. By showing what you’ve done before, you prove you’re prepared to tackle challenges and make solid choices in the future.
How to Answer “What Do You Find Are the Most Difficult Decisions to Make?”
Identify a key quality that fits the job description
Begin by thinking of a positive trait that matches the position you want. Look at the job posting for clues. If the role calls for leadership, you might focus on being calm under pressure. If the job involves finances, you could talk about your careful decision-making with budgets.
Recall a real-life story that highlights this quality
Next, think back to a time when you used that quality to make a difficult decision. Maybe you chose being calm under pressure. You might share a moment when coworkers or teammates were stressed, but you stayed focused and led the way. Explain why the decision was difficult: maybe you had never been in that situation before, faced a tight deadline, or dealt with competing demands.
Example: “In a previous role, we had a tight deadline for a major project, and our manager became unavailable at the last minute. Everyone was anxious about who would step up, so I offered to take the lead. It felt nerve-wracking, but I organized tasks, assigned responsibilities, and made sure everyone knew their part. We got the project done on time and received positive feedback from upper management.”
Explain how you made your decision step by step
After setting up the story, outline how you weighed your options. Did you consider the pros and cons? Seek advice from others? Gather data to guide your decision?
Example: “To decide the best approach, I listed out all the tasks and deadlines. I asked each team member which tasks they felt most comfortable handling, then matched people with their strengths. Checking in regularly kept everyone on track.”
Share the positive outcome of your decision
Wrap up by talking about the end result. Ideally, the story shows that your decision led to a positive outcome or taught you a valuable lesson.
Example: “In this case, our project was delivered on schedule, and management noted our teamwork. Colleagues thanked me for staying calm and taking initiative during a stressful time.”
Connect your story back to the job
Conclude by explaining how that experience equips you for the position you’re interviewing for.
Example: “This taught me the importance of collaboration and flexibility when facing unexpected challenges. I believe these skills will help me excel in this role, particularly when deadlines shift or issues arise.”
How Not to Answer
Don’t give a general answer without a real example
Avoid giving broad statements, like, “I find decisions about resource allocation difficult,” without a concrete scenario. Real examples show how you handle these moments in practice.
Don’t focus on areas where you lack experience or confidence
Steer clear of choices that highlight a gap in your knowledge or comfort level. For example, if you have never managed finances, presenting budget decisions as the toughest task might raise red flags about your skills.
Avoid negative language or complaints
Don’t use the question to vent about old jobs or bosses. Saying, “I struggle when management doesn’t give clear instructions,” might come across as blaming others rather than showcasing your ability to handle challenges.
Sample Answers to “What Do You Find Are the Most Difficult Decisions to Make?”
Example #1
“I think the hardest decisions are when I have to choose between two good options. At my last job, we had a long-standing supplier that offered excellent service. Then a new supplier proposed the same products at a lower cost. I had to decide whether to keep our existing supplier or switch for the savings. I thought about service quality, reliability, and overall cost. In the end, I stayed with our current supplier because their consistent service was more valuable than the discount. It was a tough call, but it taught me the importance of looking at both immediate benefits and long-term relationships.”
Why this works:
This answer shows the ability to handle complex decisions by comparing pros and cons. The candidate demonstrates critical thinking and a focus on what’s best for the company, not just what’s cheapest or most convenient.
Example #2
“For me, the most difficult decisions are those that impact people’s livelihoods. In a previous role as a team leader, I had to decide whether to let someone go because their performance wasn’t meeting expectations. Everyone on the team liked this individual, but their work slowed us down. I tried feedback and coaching, but nothing changed. Eventually, I made the call to let them go, which was really hard because I knew it would affect them personally. Still, it was the right decision for the team. This taught me how to balance empathy with accountability.”
Why this works:
This answer demonstrates empathy and leadership. The candidate acknowledges that tough decisions can have real consequences, but they also show a willingness to do what’s necessary for the team’s overall success.
Example #3
“I find the hardest decisions come when I must balance multiple responsibilities. In a previous role, I was asked to take extra shifts right before a critical project deadline. I knew I couldn’t do both effectively if I spread myself too thin. I spoke with my boss about my workload, and we found a solution where I covered some shifts but also had time to complete the project. That conversation was uncomfortable at first, but it taught me that open communication and prioritizing tasks can solve a lot of problems.”
Why this works:
This answer is relevant for professionals with competing demands. The candidate shows strong time management, personal responsibility, and problem-solving skills. They also display the maturity to address conflicts head-on rather than avoiding them.
Each example shows the interviewer that you know how to handle difficult decisions thoughtfully and responsibly by highlighting:
- A specific scenario that presented a difficult choice
- An explanation of why the decision was challenging, offering insight into your reasoning
- The process you used to decide, emphasizing your problem-solving abilities
- A positive outcome or lesson learned, demonstrating professional growth
Those elements come together to prove you’re ready to tackle tough calls in the workplace. Let the interviewer see how you weigh options and take action when the stakes are high—qualities employers prize in any role.