Interview questions like “Are you a risk taker?” help employers understand whether your approach to challenges aligns with their company culture. A well-thought-out response shows that you’ve considered the role seriously and aren’t just giving a generic answer.
Tailoring your answer is also valuable because what qualifies as a smart risk in one profession might be reckless in another.
Ultimately, employers aren’t just looking for risk-takers or risk-averse candidates—they want to see how you actually assess risk, make decisions, and adapt to challenges in a way that aligns with their business goals.
Let’s review the different scenarios below.
Key takeaways
- Employers say “Tell me about a time you took a risk” to evaluate how you handle challenges, make decisions, and adapt to uncertainty.
- Your answer should align with the expectations of your industry—some fields encourage bold risks, while others require careful decision-making.
- Using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) helps structure your response effectively and keeps it concise.
- Avoid extreme answers—saying you never take risks can make you seem indecisive, while claiming you always take risks may appear reckless.
- This guide provides eight sample answers tailored to different professions, helping you craft a strong, industry-appropriate response.
Why do employers ask “Are you a risk taker?”
Sometimes employers ask more provocative questions to understand what kind of person stands before them. “Are you a risk taker?” doesn’t have a simple yes-or-no answer but can reveal key insights about how you handle stress, make decisions, and navigate challenges in the workplace.
Hiring managers use this question to evaluate:
- Your approach to uncertainty and challenges: Do you embrace challenges, or do you prefer stability and predictability?
- Whether you take calculated risks or act impulsively: Are you someone who weighs the pros and cons before making a decision, or do you take action without considering the consequences?
- If your risk tolerance aligns with the company’s culture and industry: Different workplaces have different attitudes toward risk-taking.
Here are some variations of the question:
- “Tell me about the biggest risk you’ve ever taken.”
- “Describe a situation where you took a calculated risk.”
- “What are your thoughts on taking risks in the workplace?”
- “How do you assess risk before making a decision?”
Use the Enhancv builder to put together a resume that really shows off your experience with risk management or tells the story of a time you took a smart risk at work and it paid off. This way, you’ll answer their questions before they’ve even asked them!
How to determine if you’re a risk taker at work
To answer the question “Are you a risk taker?” first, you need to assert your honest approach to risk. While it’s okay to tailor your response to the job you’re applying for, your answer should still be truthful—after all, misrepresenting yourself can backfire. If you claim to be a fearless risk-taker but hesitate in a high-pressure situation, it may raise doubts about your credibility.
But how do you establish if you’re a risk taker? Well, understanding yourself might provide an answer, but if you’re unsure what the answer is in terms of your career, consider these questions.
Ask yourself these questions to find out if you’re a risk taker
- Do I take risks often or prefer a cautious approach?
- Have my risks typically led to success or valuable lessons?
- How do I evaluate risks before making decisions?
PRO TIP
Exercise: Make a quick list of past work situations where you took a risk—big or small. This will further help you craft your answer.
How to answer "Are you a risk-taker?"
When answering this, aim to demonstrate that you take risks strategically, not recklessly. Employers want to see that you can assess situations, weigh potential outcomes, and make informed decisions rather than acting impulsively. One way to create a strong response is to use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
Here’s how it works:
- Situation: Set the scene by explaining a relevant work context.
- Task: Describe the challenge or opportunity that required you to evaluate risk.
- Action: Outline the steps you took, focusing on how you assessed and managed the risk.
- Result: Highlight the outcome—whether it was a success or a learning experience, emphasize what you gained.
Here are some more tips to help you:
Tailor your response to the role and industry
- A startup may appreciate bold risk-taking, while a corporate finance role may value careful decision-making.
- Avoid: Saying you never take risks can make you seem indecisive or inflexible.
Emphasize the thought process behind your decision
- Show that your risk was calculated, based on analysis and logic.
- Avoid: Claiming you take risks impulsively suggests poor judgment.
If discussing a failure, focus on the lessons learned
- Employers value candidates who can reflect on their experiences and grow from them.
- Avoid: Talking about a major failure without explaining how you improved can make you seem careless.
Tailoring your answer based on your industry and role
The level of acceptable risk varies across industries, so frame your answer in a way that fits your field. Some roles encourage bold experimentation, while others demand caution and precision.
For example, creative professionals are often rewarded for pushing boundaries, while those in finance or healthcare must make risk-averse, well-calculated decisions.
Below is a breakdown of different industries and how risk-taking is perceived within them:
| Industry | Preferred Risk-Taking Approach | Examples of Roles |
|---|---|---|
| Creative Industries | Encouraged to take bold, innovative risks. | Graphic Designers, Marketers, Writers, Art Directors, Advertisers |
| Business & Technology | Expected to take research-backed, strategic risks. | Entrepreneurs, Product Managers, Business Analysts, Tech Startups, Software Developers |
| Data & Finance | Risks should be supported by logical reasoning and data. | Engineers, IT Specialists, Data Scientists, Financial Analysts, Investment Managers |
| Healthcare & Medicine | Risk-taking is usually discouraged. Precision and compliance are key. | Doctors, Nurses, Pharmacists, Medical Researchers |
| Law & Compliance | Requires careful risk assessment with strict adherence to regulations. | Lawyers, Legal Advisors, Compliance Officers, Government Officials |
| Manufacturing & Engineering | Risk-taking is necessary but must be calculated to ensure safety and efficiency. | Mechanical Engineers, Aerospace Engineers, Operations Managers |
| Sales & Business Development | Taking strategic risks can lead to high rewards. | Sales Executives, Business Development Managers, Investment Bankers |
| Education & Research | Risk-taking is limited, but innovation in teaching methods and research is valued. | Professors, Researchers, Educational Consultants |
| Retail & Consumer Goods | Product launches and market expansion involve strategic risk-taking. | Retail Managers, Merchandisers, E-commerce Specialists |
PRO TIP
Let’s make a distinction between risk-taking and innovation. Risk-taking involves making uncertain decisions with potential consequences, while innovation is about introducing new ideas and improvements. Some industries value innovation but require minimal risk-taking (e.g., education, research), while others reward both (e.g., startups, marketing).
Eight sample answers for “Are you a risk taker?”
When preparing for your interview, it’s good to have some sample answers ready so you don’t stumble when asked about risk-taking.
Below are several examples tailored to different situations:
The Creative Risk-Taker (For Designers, Marketers, Entrepreneurs)
"As a designer, I believe creative risks are essential for innovation. In my last project, I proposed an unconventional branding approach that initially raised concerns. However, after researching trends and testing it with a focus group, we moved forward. The campaign ended up being a hit, increasing engagement by 40%."
The Strategic Risk-Taker (For Business, Tech, Product Management)
"I take calculated risks when necessary. For instance, in my previous role as a product manager, I advocated for a new feature that hadn’t been tested in our market. After analyzing customer data and running an A/B test, we launched it. The feature ended up increasing user retention by 25%."
The Cautious but Open-Minded Professional (For Finance, Healthcare, Legal Roles)
"In my field, minimizing risk is crucial. However, I also know that playing it too safe can sometimes lead to missed opportunities. In my previous role as an accountant, I identified an inefficiency in our tax strategy. After thoroughly reviewing regulations and consulting with senior auditors, I proposed a revised approach that saved the company $50,000 annually while staying fully compliant."
The High-Stakes Decision-Maker (For Leadership & Management Roles)
"As a team leader, I recognize that taking strategic risks is often necessary to drive growth. In a previous role, I approved a bold expansion strategy that involved entering a new market. Before moving forward, I conducted extensive research, assessed financial risks, and developed a contingency plan. The expansion was successful, increasing revenue by 30% in the first year."
The Data-Driven Risk-Taker (For Engineering, IT, and Data Science)
"In my role as a software engineer, I take risks when they’re backed by solid data. Once, I proposed switching to a new framework to improve system performance. While there was initial hesitation due to the potential learning curve, I presented performance benchmarks and conducted a trial run. The result was a 50% increase in efficiency with minimal downtime."
The Calculated Sales Risk-Taker (For Sales & Business Development)
"Sales often involve taking risks, but I believe in making informed decisions. At my previous job, I convinced my manager to pursue a high-value client in a new industry. While it was outside our usual scope, I did my research, tailored a pitch, and secured the deal, which became one of our top revenue-generating accounts."
The methodical educator & researcher (for education & research roles)
"As an educator, I take calculated risks to enhance student engagement. In one instance, I redesigned my curriculum to include a project-based learning model, even though it was a departure from traditional methods. I piloted it with a small group, collected feedback, and refined it before rolling it out to the entire class. Student performance and engagement improved significantly."
Turning a failed risk into a learning experience
"As a project manager, I introduced a new automation tool to improve workflow efficiency. Despite thorough research, the rollout faced integration issues, leading to resistance from the team. Instead of scrapping it, I gathered feedback, worked with IT to resolve the issues, and provided training. Within weeks, adoption improved, and productivity increased by 20%. This experience taught me the value of small-scale testing and effective change management."
Before wrapping up, emphasize how your answer shows self-awareness and adaptability. Highlighting your ability to assess risks thoughtfully and adjust to different situations shows you're not only confident but also aligned with the company's needs.
Conclusion
"Are you a risk taker?" may seem like a cliché interview question, but with a well-prepared response, you can showcase yourself as a confident and smart decision-maker, regardless of your stance on risk-taking. By illustrating how you evaluate risks and make thoughtful decisions, you can leave a lasting impression of professionalism and sound judgment.
Make one that's truly you.
