Can you tell me about a time when you had to say no to a proposed technical solution?
Explore real examples and use them to shape a story from your own experience.
What the interviewer is looking for
- Understanding the underlying need: Separates the requested implementation from the outcome the stakeholder needs.
- Technical judgement: Evaluates feasibility, risks, effort, and operating costs before accepting or rejecting a proposal.
- Constructive pushback: States a clear boundary while staying committed to the stakeholder’s underlying goal.
- A workable alternative: Proposes and adapts an alternative that respects both sides’ constraints.
- Agreement and verified outcomes: Reaches agreement on the approach and verifies that it delivers the intended result.