How to Answer: Tell me about a time you made a big mistake at work.
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Ford Motor Company job interview.
8. Tell me about a time you made a big mistake at work.
What You Need to Know
They want to ensure their ideal candidate holds themself accountable, takes ownership of their mistakes and learns from their setbacks. Making mistakes is human. Feeling fear of judgement for your mishaps is natural. How you confront your fear is the true test of character. If you tried to fix the mistake before bringing it to the attention of your superiors, explain the reasons behind your course of action. If you brought the mistake to their attention, explain that it would've cost them more to have you fix it, whereas the issue could be solved by a superior in a matter of minutes. If you chose not to distract others from work, was it simpler and less exhaustive for you to fix the mistake yourself? How we deal with and remedy a mistake comes down to exercising good judgment and knowing when asking for help is appropriate.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 28th, 2022
Answer Example
"Any time I make a mistake, which is fewer and fewer with each experience, I try to correct it immediately on my own and evaluate the most effective and cost-reductive route. On one hand, I want to protect assets. On the other, I don't want to burden my superiors with my mistake, distracting them from their priorities. So I look at it from a task management perspective. I determine the wisest course of action and proceed accordingly. Let me tell you about the last time I had to put this into practice."
Written by Kevin Downey on June 28th, 2022