Why interviewers ask this question
This question tests honest, clear communication under a genuinely uncomfortable situation, whether that is telling a client about a delay, informing a colleague of a decision they will not like, or reporting a setback to a manager. Interviewers want evidence that you communicate difficult information directly and promptly rather than delaying, softening it into vagueness, or letting someone else deliver it for you.
How to structure your answer using STAR
Choose a real example of genuinely difficult news you had to deliver, ideally where the stakes were real. Briefly set up the situation, then focus the action on how you prepared (getting the facts straight first), delivered the message clearly and promptly rather than delaying, and handled the other person's reaction with empathy while still being clear about the facts. Close with the result, including how the relationship or situation was afterward.
A strong example answer
"I had to tell a client that a feature we had promised for their launch would not be ready in time, due to an issue discovered late in testing. I contacted them as soon as I had the full picture rather than waiting, explained clearly what had gone wrong and why, and presented two realistic options: launching without that feature or delaying the whole launch by a short period. The client was understandably frustrated initially, but told us afterward that they appreciated being informed early and given real options, rather than finding out at the last moment."
Mistakes to avoid
Avoid a story where you delayed delivering the news or let someone else do it for you, since promptness is a core part of what this question tests. Avoid softening the message so much in your retelling that it is unclear you actually delivered difficult news clearly; specificity about what you said and how the other person reacted makes the example credible.