Tell me about a time you dealt with competing priorities
Last updated: March 7, 2026
Quick Overview
Use the STAR method to answer. Be specific about the situation at OpenAI, your actions, and measurable outcomes.
OpenAI
March 7, 202614
8
4,286 solved
Use the STAR method to answer. Be specific about the situation at OpenAI, your actions, and measurable outcomes.
During the Behavioral Round at OpenAI, 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 get buy-in from stakeholders who disagreed?
- How did this experience change your leadership style?
- What frameworks do you use for making similar decisions now?
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Competency Being Evaluated
The interviewer is assessing your ability to manage competing priorities effectively. They want to understand how you handle situations where multiple projects require your attention, especially in a ...
Answer Structure
- Situation: Describe a specific context at OpenAI where you faced competing priorities. 2. Task: Explain your role and the importance of the tasks at hand. 3. Action: Detail the steps yo...
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