Discuss a time when you failed at something. What did you learn, and how did you bounce back?
We have all faced failure in our lifetime. There is no need to be ashamed of defeat. Instead, what the interviewer is looking for is evidence that you can bounce back from perceived failure, with the most positive mindset possible. Give an example of a time when the outcome was not what you wanted it to be, but you were able to bounce back. Perhaps you were better off in the end, or you learned a valuable lesson!
Remember: Boeing uses behavioral-based questions to conduct interviews, and they advise using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, and Result) method when responding. Be sure your answer is highly specific and includes quantifiable details and tangible results.
"One of the more significant failures that I can think of was not completing my undergraduate degree as soon as expected. I encountered a few personal factors that pushed my completion date back one year, and I was also working part-time to pay for tuition, which demanded a lot of my time. Extending my completion date was humbling at the time, but truth be told, I am thankful that I could complete my degree at a comfortable pace. I finished with excellent grades as well. Now, as I continue my education, I plan to put all work on the back burner that is not associated with my career goal. Overall, this situation opened my eyes to the fact that decisions regarding the pace of my education are entirely mine, and I should proudly own my situation and unique path."
