WHAT IF QUESTIONS IN AN INTERVIEW
 

So today I was talking to a friend and we were talking about interviews and when the interviewer ask you what would you do if questions. So here is a question we were divided on so I want to ask you the reading public for YOUR opinion. There is no right or wrong answer to this for each person will most definitely have a reason one way or the other for why they answered it the way they do.

So here is the question: You have an issue your trying to fix for a customer by a certain deadline and your supervisor needs a report by the same deadline. What project do you finish first and why

customers always come first ~

Customers' needs come first.

I base this on the companies where I've worked and on previous supervisors I've had.

this is a trick question, meant to be impossible....

i would try to get both done on time and i if i could not i would ask for an extension from the customer...

sorry....

i too felt that the customer is always first for they are the ones who really sign our paychecks NOT the supervisor no matter what they may act like

Tell your supervisor the position you are now in and ask him which thing he wants completed on time. What the customer wants or what he wants.

Most likely he will say to complete the task for the client. He will look like an ass if he doesn't. However, if he says do his task then just explain to your customer something came up and you will not be able to complete on time. You should always complete what supervisor wants (unless it is harmful, crazy, etc). Then look for another job because you don't like your supervisor's approach to customer service.

Exactly right!

I agree and said so, I was trying not to give how i felt in the op cause i didnt want to sway anyone

Thanks everyine for aanswering

Having previously worked for large, for-profit companies; I have a little different take.

Your boss is your first and best customer.

Without the boss happy and satisfied with your work, you may not have that job.

Or that customer.

He probably needs that report for his/her bosses and on up the chain of command.

To boss: Are you able to tell me a little more about what is needed in the report and how you would like the data presented?

I am also working on that big customer's deadline. It is the same date.

Boss: I understand that, just get them both done.

I have had a variation on the scenario almost everywhere I have worked.

Somehow, you get them both done but the boss always gets his report.

First.

of course the customer is priority, saying that i try to remember that it is not a perfect world, and there will be times when i may have demands on my time from more than one person...juggling situations like this with finesse can be an important part of my job...hence a question like this can give the interviewer an insight to my personality and how i handle stress...so the answer is as complicated as the situation...but...never let them see you sweat :)