Tell me about research that changed a major product or business decision. How did you get it heard at that level?

What the interviewer is looking for

• This question tests storytelling & communication. Presents findings concisely with clear implications, uses vivid evidence like clips and quotes, and tailors to the audience.
• What to bring out: Connects findings to business stakes, uses concise compelling evidence, builds allies beforehand, and follows through on the decision.
• Expect a follow-up like: What evidence was most persuasive to those leaders?

Another way it may be asked: Think of a time your research made leaders change direction on something big. How did you get their attention?

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 storytelling & communication 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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