How do setbacks emotionally affect you and your work?
The heart of this question is to evaluate your emotional intelligence. Your interviewer needs to assess whether you allow your setbacks to dictate your behavior in a professional setting, whether stressed, depressed, or angry. Their ideal candidates will take ownership of their setbacks and the emotions associated with them rather than allowing their emotions to dictate their reactions and responses. They are looking for candidates who learn from their setbacks, take ownership of them, make efforts to not repeat them, and move on while maintaining a professional and positive attitude.
"Experiencing a setback is always disappointing and can be a bit disheartening, but I understand that it happens from time to time. If I experience a major setback, I will take a few moments to debrief with my manager and discuss what I could have done differently. Then, I move on!"
"Setbacks happen, and they do not affect me emotionally in the least. Failure is integral to success. I am a very pragmatic thinker and stay focused on my project despite the challenges that come my way. I am also a creative thinker, so setbacks are often used as a new jumping-off point to something even better."
United Airlines states on its website that they are looking for candidates who "Take responsibility and is accountable for commitments and assignments. Displays exceptional interpersonal skills, exercises good judgment, and is able to resolve conflicts with grace."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
While a setback is disappointing, I understand it happens for a reason. Setbacks do not affect me emotionally. I am a critical thinker and an excellent troubleshooter. Therefore I stay focused and assess the situation, and if needed, I try to find alternatives to reach my goal.
Rachelle's Feedback
It's great that you offer a solution while still admitting setbacks are disappointing. Very proactive response!
