What is your first reaction when you do something wrong or make an error in your work?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
How to Answer
1st Answer Example
2nd Answer Example

How you react to an error will tell your interviewer a great deal about you and the honesty you will bring to their team at Bristol-Myers Squibb. In proposing this question, your interviewer is hopeful that you will provide an example of a time you made an error and walk through the steps you took to correct it.

Before your interview at Bristol-Myers Squibb, think of a great example from your work history that you can discuss. Your interviewer knows that every candidate they consider is human and prone to mistakes, so saying you have never made a mistake in your work won't suffice. They'll be looking to hear that you took accountability, communicated with those who needed to know, and then worked hard to correct the mistake.

"My first reaction when I do something wrong at work is to own it. How can anything be repaired if nobody even has a chance to fix it on time? I know that Bristol-Myers Squibb values accountability from all of your staff, and that would be my reaction if a mistake were to occur for me on the job here."

"I am very keen on accountability for myself and my teammates, and I own up to all my mistakes and do what is necessary to fix them. Last year, I sent out a report with some incorrect data to customers and didn't realize this until I was questioned by one of our customers. After a quick review, I realized my mistake. I first approached my director to let them know what happened and took full responsibility for the mistake. We then formulated a plan to fix the mistake and communicate the error to the customer list. I worked hard for the next two hours to fix the report and draft a communication. In the end, this was a great plan, and many customers personally thanked me."