How to Answer “Tell Me About a Time When a Project Took Longer Than Expected” in an Interview

Why do employers ask this question?

During a job interview, employers may ask candidates about their experience with projects that took longer than expected. This question allows the employer to understand how the candidate approaches and manages projects, and whether they have the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and make decisions under pressure.

How to answer the question

When answering this question, it's important to provide specific examples of a time when a project took longer than expected, and to explain how you responded to the situation. Avoid using vague or general statements and try to provide specific details about the challenge you faced, the actions you took, and the outcome of your efforts. Here are some tips for answering this question effectively:

1. Think about past experiences where a project took longer than expected. Choose an example that demonstrates your ability to adapt to changing circumstances and make decisions under pressure.
2. Use the STAR format to structure your answer:
   • S: Describe the project and the initial timeline.
   • T: Explain why the project took longer than expected.
   • A: Describe the actions you took to manage the project and ensure that it was completed on time.
   • R: Share the result or outcome of your efforts.
3. Emphasize your ability to adapt to changing circumstances and make decisions under pressure. Explain how you kept the project on track and found ways to overcome the challenges you faced.
4. Avoid complaining or blaming others for the delays. Instead, focus on how you took ownership of the situation and found solutions.

How to prepare for this question

Here are some tips for preparing for this question:

• Review the job description and requirements carefully. Think about the skills and experiences that the employer is looking for, and think about specific examples that demonstrate your ability to adapt to changing circumstances and make decisions under pressure.
• Practice your answer with a friend or family member. Have them ask you the question and see if you can answer it clearly and confidently.
• Think about the skills and qualities that you want to highlight in your answer. For example, do you want to show that you are adaptable, a strong decision-maker, or a good problem-solver?
• Be honest in your answer and avoid making up an example. It's better to admit that you haven't faced many delays in your career than to try to come up with an example that isn't authentic or believable.

Common Mistakes

1. Not providing specific examples One common mistake that interviewees make when answering this question is not providing specific examples of a time when a project took longer than expected. It's important to provide specific details about the challenge you faced, the actions you took, and the outcome of your efforts. Vague or general statements will not give the employer a clear understanding of your project management skills and ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

2. Complaining or blaming others

Another mistake to avoid is complaining or blaming others for the delays. This can come across as unprofessional and may make the employer question your ability to take ownership of problems and find solutions. Instead, focus on the actions you took to manage the project and ensure that it was completed on time, and take responsibility for the outcome. 3. Not emphasizing your adaptability and decision-making skills It's important to show the employer that you have strong adaptability and decision-making skills, and are able to make sound decisions under pressure. If you don't emphasize these skills in your answer, the employer may not fully understand your approach to project management and ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

Sample Answers

1. "One time when a project took longer than expected was when I was working on a software development project at my previous company. We had a tight deadline to deliver the project, but several unexpected issues arose during the development process that caused delays.
   
   To manage the situation, I worked closely with my team to prioritize the remaining tasks and identify any potential bottlenecks. I also communicated regularly with the client to keep them informed of the progress and any potential delays.
   
   In the end, we were able to deliver the project on time, despite the initial setbacks. This experience taught me the importance of adaptability and the value of good communication in managing projects. It also helped me develop my problem-solving skills and my ability to make decisions under pressure."


2. "One time when a project took longer than expected was when I was working on a marketing campaign for a new product launch. We had a tight deadline to deliver the campaign, but several external factors caused delays, including unexpected changes to the product launch timeline and issues with vendor delivery.
   
   To overcome these obstacles, I worked closely with my team to re-plan the campaign and adjust the timeline as needed. I also communicated regularly with the vendors and the client to ensure that everyone was on the same page and that the project stayed on track.
   
   As a result, we were able to deliver the campaign on time and within budget, despite the initial setbacks. This experience taught me the importance of flexibility and the value of effective communication in managing projects."