An hour before a report is due, you notice a number doesn't match the source system. What do you do?

What the interviewer is looking for

• This question tests attention to detail. Describes concrete checks such as tie-outs to source, reasonableness tests and peer review, and owns errors openly.
• What to bring out: Investigates quickly, finds whether it is timing, mapping or formula, tells the stakeholder early rather than hiding it, and fixes or footnotes before sending.
• Expect a follow-up like: How would you stop that kind of mismatch happening again?

Another way it may be asked: Your report says revenue was one figure but the accounting system shows another, and the deadline is close. Walk me through your next steps.

A structure to follow: STAR, with the weight on Action and Result

1. Step 1

   Situation

   One or two sentences: where, when and what was at stake. Pick a real example you were close to.

2. Step 2

   Task

   What you personally were responsible for. Say "I", not only "we", so the attention to detail you showed is visible.

3. Step 3

   Action

   The two or three things you did and why you chose them over the alternatives. This should be about half your answer.

4. Step 4

   Result

   What changed, in your own measure of it, and what you would do differently. Only use numbers you can stand behind.

This is guidance on shape, not a script. Use your own real experience and facts; never invent details to fill a gap. See the STAR guide and answer frameworks.

Common slips

• Describing what the team did without saying what you did.
• Choosing an example with no clear outcome, or one you cannot answer detailed questions about.
• Ending on the action and skipping the result and what you learned.

How to practise it

Write two bullet points for each STAR letter, then say the answer aloud in about two minutes.

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