How to Answer: What was the biggest mistake you made at your last job?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Office Assistant job interview.
33. What was the biggest mistake you made at your last job?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
During the interview process, many candidates act as though they are flawless. People make mistakes, and this question helps the hiring manager understand more about your character.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 27th, 2022
What You Should Say
Choose a mistake that resulted in minimal impact. Be specific, and explain how you responded to the mistake and what you learned from it.
Written by Luke Duggan on January 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"When I first joined my current company, I made a mistake placing a coffee order. I was still in training and had completed the inventory. When I placed the order, I mistakenly added an extra zero and ordered 200 cases of breakfast blend coffee instead of the 20 I was supposed to order. I was fortunate that our sales rep knew it was a mistake and emailed us before completing the order. That mistake taught me 'to slow down to speed up,' and I've learned to pay attention to the details."
Written by Luke Duggan on January 27th, 2022