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How to Answer “Tell Me a Time Where You Failed”
How To Answer the Question: “Talk About a Time Where You Failed or Made A Mistake”
During a job interview, the interviewer may ask you to share a time when you failed or made a mistake.
The purpose of this question is not to focus on your failures, but to evaluate how you handle challenges and learn from them.
It is important to provide a specific example that is relevant to the job you are applying for and showcases your transferable skills.
When answering this question, it is recommended to be truthful and relate the example to a business experience instead of a personal one.
Choose a suitable story
- Focus On a Miscalculation, Not a Personal Flaw: Pick a situation where you tried something different and it didn't work out, rather than a personal mistake based on carelessness.
- Consider the consequence: Opt for a failure with manageable consequences, something you can learn from and grow from. Avoid discussing major blunders that might raise red flags.
Structure your answer using the STARR method
- Situation - what was the situation/context?
- Task - What were your responsibilities, objectives and role in this situation?
- Action - What did you do?
- Result - What happened?
- Reflection - Acknowledge the failure but emphasise what you learned from this event.
Highlight how you overcame the mistake, acknowledge your own part in it, and describe how you learned from it and implemented a new approach or process moving forward. Avoid blaming others for the mistake.
Focus on Learning and Growth
- Own the Mistake: Avoid blaming others or making excuses.
- Emphasise your Learning: what insights you gained from the experience and how you've applied them to improve.
- Demonstrate Growth: Show how the experience helped you grow as a team player, problem-solver, or decision-maker.
- Be Precise and Focused. Keep your answer short and relevant to the question. Avoid focusing on negative aspects of the situation.
- Maintain a Positive Tone Throughout Your Response. Show your ability to overcome setbacks. Practice in advance. Prepare a few potential stories and rehearse your responses.
End your response with a positive outcome. Share an example of how you learned from your mistake and what you did differently when you faced a similar situation again.
It's important to demonstrate resilience, problem-solving skills and the ability to learn from mistakes.
By using the STARR method and focusing on growth, you can turn a potential weakness into a strength and impress your interviewer.
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About the author
Darren Dewrance
Darren spent six years in sales and field sales before joining the original sales recruitment specialist, Austin Benn, in 1998. After achieving the status of top consultant, out of about seventy at the time, Darren rose from Senior Consultant to Operations Manager of the commercial sector before leaving to join a London based Headhunter in 2003 before setting up Aaron Wallis with Rob in October 2007.
With a natural leadership style, Darren is an expert on putting his finger right on the heart of the problem. His natural commercial instincts have helped hundreds of employers make better recruitment decisions. Darren is married with two children, and when not at work or with his family, he likes nothing more than to be on the side of a river or a lake with a rod in his hand.
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