How to Answer: Describe a time you failed at something. How did you bounce back from it?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Apple job interview.
7. Describe a time you failed at something. How did you bounce back from it?
The Goal
There's an expression that says, 'The true test of your character is what you do when no one is looking.' The interviewers want to make sure anyone they bring on board has a strong sense of integrity and accountability and takes ownership of their mistakes. Making mistakes is human. How you deal with and remedy a mistake comes down to exercising good judgment and knowing when asking for help is appropriate. Ultimately, the goal here is to display a propensity to learn and grow from your humbling setbacks.
It's natural to fear being judged for making a mistake. How you confront your fear and evaluate the situation, taking into consideration the benefit of the team while reducing the impact of your mistake is the true test of your character. Make sure you confidently explain the reasons behind your course of action.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 24th, 2022
What You Need to Know
The assessment vendor will evaluate your choice of words and body language to evaluate how truthful your answers are. That allows the hiring authority to have greater confidence that you may be the right fit for this opportunity for the right reasons. If they like what they see, they'll schedule a live interview. Therefore, you'll want to be as truthful and confident in your answer as possible. Before your interview, prepare yourself mentally for what is to come. Build your confidence and wait until you believe in yourself before you start the HireVue interview. If you don't believe in yourself, neither will they.
Go online, research, and study the body language of a person who exhibits confidence in a relaxed seated position. Perform some fast physical exercises to manufacture some instant confidence. Raise your arms, stretch your back, and make yourself as big as possible. Next, step into a private space with a mirror, look yourself in the eye, and say some affirmations. You got this!
Written by Kevin Downey on September 24th, 2022
Answer Example
"You can take the stress and convert that energy into action, but disappointment can draw the energy right out of you, and taking action is much harder. But it's important to not let it take hold and keep moving. Anytime you get knocked down, you have to keep getting back up. That's what I do when I experience a setback - just keep moving forward and put those feelings of disappointment behind me. Go for the high ground and look back with a bird's eye view. Examine what caused that setback, and learn what you can to perform better next time. They are just growing pains, after all."
Written by Kevin Downey on September 24th, 2022