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AlphaSights Mock Interview

Question 2 of 35 for our AlphaSights Mock Interview

AlphaSights was updated by on May 24th, 2022. Learn more here.

Question 2 of 35

Tell me about a recent rejection you received and what you learned from it.

"Three of us were working on separate bids for the same account. I put my all into it, but they chose to go with my colleague's proposal instead of mine. This was fine. I was happy for them and the team as a whole. Even though I was proud of my proposal for the bid, I was interested in learning what it was about my colleague's proposal, and after learning from my leaders why, I learned what I could from my colleague and applied what I learned to my skills. I didn't see that rejection as a rejection. I saw it as a growth opportunity."

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How to Answer: Tell me about a recent rejection you received and what you learned from it.

Advice and answer examples written specifically for an AlphaSights job interview.

  • 2. Tell me about a recent rejection you received and what you learned from it.

      How to Answer

      As AlphaSights states on their website, "We're a meritocracy. Promotion and rewards are based on your results and achievements. Results-driven (are you energized by results and outcomes), drive (excel beyond what's asked of you), adaptability (thrive in an ever-changing environment), humility (do you view yourself as a constant work in progress), empathy (can you see the world through other's eyes)." Consider these statements and these core values when you formulate your answer to this question.

      Written by Kevin Downey on May 24th, 2022

      1st Answer Example

      "Three of us were working on separate bids for the same account. I put my all into it, but they chose to go with my colleague's proposal instead of mine. This was fine. I was happy for them and the team as a whole. Even though I was proud of my proposal for the bid, I was interested in learning what it was about my colleague's proposal, and after learning from my leaders why, I learned what I could from my colleague and applied what I learned to my skills. I didn't see that rejection as a rejection. I saw it as a growth opportunity."

      Written by Kevin Downey on May 24th, 2022

      2nd Answer Example

      "I was up for a promotion, and my immediate supervisor informed me I was a shoo-in for the position. My spouse and I went out to celebrate, and while we were out, I got a text from a coworker that they'd unexpectedly gotten promoted to the position. It turned out that the supervisor who told me I'd practically landed the position just favored me and wanted me to get the promotion but truly didn't know. I should have remained objective and not immediately believed what I wanted to hear. I'd already come to terms with the fact that there was little growth opportunity with that company and started preparing to move on. But that last-minute hope that I was going to get that promotion took me off guard, and I thought it would be easier than hunting for another opportunity elsewhere. In the end, I know in my heart it wouldn't have been the best career move. So in this regard, I was saved from myself."

      Written by Kevin Downey on May 24th, 2022

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "Recently I was cancelled to play an event that had been agreed upon a month prior. I had accounted for the inflow of cash and the event could have promoted myself as a musician, enabling me to gain further events down the road. This left me rather disappointed and not want to experience a replica of that situation again. As such, I contacted the event manager to find out why the cancellation had been so late and now I require a down payment for any event manager creating a booking with me."

      Jaymie's Feedback

      This is a great example to use in your response! It shows that while you might have been upset or emotional, you remained level-headed and sought to effectively communicate with the event manager to understand the why behind their cancelation. You didn't dwell on the situation, become irate, retaliate, etc. Instead, you reflected on the situation and modified your process to protect yourself from experiencing that and losing out on income again. Great job!

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