Describe a situation where you had to say no to a request
Last updated: July 8, 2025
Quick Overview
Use the STAR method to answer. Be specific about the situation at Expedia, your actions, and measurable outcomes.
Expedia
July 8, 202537
8
1,105 solved
Use the STAR method to answer. Be specific about the situation at Expedia, your actions, and measurable outcomes.
Expedia uses behavioral interviews to evaluate culture fit and leadership potential. This question from the Behavioral Round is looking for concrete examples from your experience, not hypothetical answers. The best responses include specific metrics and outcomes.
What the Interviewer Expects
- Share a compelling story with specific details and measurable outcomes
- Demonstrate leadership skills: influence without authority, mentoring, decision-making
- Show empathy and emotional intelligence in conflict situations
- Reflect on lessons learned and how you applied them going forward
- Quantify your impact with concrete metrics where possible
Key Topics to Cover
How to Approach This
- Use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result.
- Be specific about YOUR actions, not just the team outcome.
- Quantify your impact whenever possible (e.g., "reduced latency by 40%").
- Prepare stories for: conflict, failure, ambiguity, leadership, and technical trade-offs.
- Show growth mindset. Explain what you learned and how you changed your approach.
Possible Follow-up Questions
- How did you measure the success of your actions?
- What would you do differently if you faced this situation again?
- What was the most challenging part of this experience?
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Browse Behavioral QuestionsSample Answer
What the Interviewer is Really Asking
The interviewer is evaluating your ability to make tough decisions, particularly in a leadership context without direct authority. They want to see how you navigate requests that may not align with te...
Strong Answer Structure
Begin with a specific context that sets the stage for the request you had to decline. Clearly outline the request and why it was made. Then, explain your thought process in deciding to say no, detaili...
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