Describe a situation where you had to say no to a request
Last updated: August 27, 2025
Quick Overview
Use the STAR method to answer. Be specific about the situation at Goldman Sachs, your actions, and measurable outcomes.
Goldman Sachs
August 27, 2025286
7
1,369 solved
Use the STAR method to answer. Be specific about the situation at Goldman Sachs, your actions, and measurable outcomes.
During the Behavioral Round at Goldman Sachs, behavioral questions like this one help interviewers assess your collaboration skills, decision-making process, and growth mindset. They want evidence of impact, not just participation.
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 frameworks do you use for making similar decisions now?
- How did you support your team through this situation?
Sharpen Your Skills on Codemia
Practice similar problems with our interactive workspace, get AI feedback, and track your progress.
Browse Behavioral QuestionsSample Answer
What the Interviewer is Really Asking
The interviewer is assessing your ability to navigate difficult conversations and make tough decisions that align with team and organizational goals. Specifically, they want to evaluate your collabora...
Strong Answer Structure
- Context: Briefly set the scene about the request and its implications. 2. Challenge: Describe the specific request and why it was challenging to fulfill. 3. Decision: Explain your ratio...
Submit Your Answer
