Ever wondered why interviewers want to know if you’re a risk taker? It’s because risk can mean different things in different jobs. Sometimes, taking risks can be exciting and lead to big wins—like coming up with a fresh, bold idea that changes everything. But other times, especially in roles where precision matters (think accountants or pharmacists), being too risky can actually be harmful.
Interviewers ask this question to see if your approach to risk-taking fits the job you’re applying for. For example, a creative director might need to take chances to bring new ideas to life, while a pharmacist needs to stay careful and focused. So, when you answer this question, remember that it’s not just about if you’re willing to take risks but whether your attitude toward risk makes sense for the job you’re hoping to get. Getting this answer right could be the key to landing the role!
What interviewers want to hear about you taking risks
When hiring managers ask if you’re a risk taker, they’re trying to get a feel for your approach to uncertain situations. They want to know how you handle risky decisions and if you’re likely to make smart choices under pressure. This question helps them figure out if you’ll succeed when things aren’t 100% certain.
They’re not just looking for a “yes” or “no” answer, though. They want to hear stories that show your thinking in action. Sharing a real example where you took a risk—or decided not to—shows them how you make judgment calls. It helps them picture you in the job and see if your style fits what they’re looking for. So, have a story ready that shows off your good decision-making, whether you went for it or played it safe.
How to answer, “Are you a risk taker?”
Think about the job requirements first
Start by considering the type of job you’re applying for. Some positions have clear expectations—like a commercial driver, where being cautious is a must. In that case, the hiring manager wants to know you’ll prioritize safety over taking risks with valuable cargo on board.
But in roles where the approach isn’t as obvious, like many corporate or creative jobs, it’s essential to read between the lines. Look at the job description for clues: if it highlights qualities like “creative thinking” or “flexibility,” they might value someone open to taking risks. But if it stresses “stability” or “accuracy,” it’s safer to present yourself as someone who approaches risk with care. Tailoring your response to align with the job’s priorities shows that you’re thoughtful and prepared.
Show a balanced approach to risk
Most companies don’t want someone who’s overly cautious or extremely reckless; instead, they’re looking for a balance. Hiring managers are usually impressed by candidates who can assess risks thoughtfully and decide based on the potential benefits or downsides.
When you answer, show that you’re a balanced decision-maker. Explain that you’re willing to take a risk if there’s a clear upside, but only if it makes sense in the situation. Then, give a quick overview of how you make these choices. For example, you might say you weigh the potential rewards, consider possible downsides, and decide if the risk is worth it. This kind of answer shows that you’re thoughtful and flexible, ready to adapt your risk-taking to the job’s needs.
Share a real example of your decision-making
A story from your past can bring your answer to life. Describe a time when you made a decision about taking—or not taking—a risk, especially if it’s related to the type of job you’re applying for. Outline what was at stake, explain how you considered the pros and cons, and walk them through the decision-making process.
Make sure your example has a positive outcome to showcase the benefits of your approach. For instance, maybe you took a calculated risk on a new project and it led to success for your team, or perhaps you avoided a risky choice that helped the company stay on track. This example not only highlights your judgment but also allows the interviewer to see you in action, making it easier for them to picture you in the role.
How not to answer
Avoid mentioning reckless or risky behavior
When sharing examples of times you took a risk, steer clear of anything that might come off as careless, unsafe, or questionable. Actions that seem overly risky, dangerous, or ethically off-putting won’t leave a good impression.
For instance, avoid stories where you took a chance without considering the consequences or where things didn’t end well. Instead, focus on examples that show thoughtfulness and responsibility. A great story reflects your ability to take smart, calculated risks, which is far more appealing to employers.
Sample answers to “Are you a risk taker?”
Example #1
“I wouldn’t say I’m a big risk-taker, but I believe that taking smart risks is part of making progress. For example, during a project in my last internship, I had to lead a team presentation to showcase a marketing strategy we’d been working on for weeks. My supervisor suggested I stick to the original, safe plan, but I felt that we needed something more engaging to capture the client’s attention and make our ideas stand out.
So, I took a bit of a risk and proposed adding a few interactive elements, like a quick live demo and some creative visuals. It required extra time and effort from the team, and there was a chance it might not go as planned. But, in the end, it worked out, and the client loved the presentation. My supervisor even praised me for taking a thoughtful risk to deliver a stronger outcome.”
Why this example works
This example shows balanced thinking and decision-making. The candidate acknowledges the importance of a thoughtful risk while ensuring it’s an informed choice, not a reckless one. By describing a successful outcome, they highlight their creativity and ability to take initiative.
Example #2
“As a lab assistant, I have a responsibility to follow safety guidelines and check for quality in everything I do. One time, I was reviewing a batch of samples that another team member had already marked as ‘safe.’ But something didn’t look quite right to me, so I decided to double-check. Although it might seem like I was being overly cautious, I thought it was worth the extra time to avoid any mistakes.
Turns out, my second look caught an issue that could have thrown off the entire experiment. My decision not to take the risk of passing it on without checking saved the lab from redoing a week’s worth of work and kept our results accurate.”
Why this example works
This example shows that the candidate prioritizes accuracy and responsibility over taking unnecessary risks. It also highlights their dedication to quality and careful judgment, qualities valued in technical roles. For a hiring manager, this response demonstrates the candidate’s commitment to doing what’s right rather than what’s easy.
Example #3
“I’d describe myself as open to taking calculated risks. In my recent role as a customer service intern, I noticed we were getting a lot of similar questions from customers, which was slowing down our response times. I suggested we add a ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ section to the support page, even though it wasn’t in my original job description.
My manager was a bit hesitant because creating the FAQ would take time, and we weren’t sure if customers would even use it. But I believed that even if it took extra effort, it could really make a difference. After some discussion, my manager gave me the go-ahead, and I worked with another intern to get it up and running. Within a month, we saw a noticeable drop in repetitive questions, and our response time improved. Taking this risk helped us serve customers better and made our work more efficient.”
Why this example works
This example showcases a proactive approach to problem-solving. By identifying an area for improvement and suggesting a change, the candidate shows initiative and creativity. They took a calculated risk by proposing something new, weighing the potential downsides against the possible impact. This response highlights qualities like forward-thinking, adaptability, and a willingness to go beyond their usual tasks—traits that are valuable to hiring managers.
To summarize, taking risks is a desirable quality for some positions and a deal breaker for others, so your answer should be crafted based on the responsibilities and overall goals of the job you want.