How to Answer: How do setbacks emotionally affect you and your work?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Zebra Technologies job interview.
2. How do setbacks emotionally affect you and your work?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your interviewer wants to know how you plan to cope with unforeseen issues in the workplace. Behavioral questions like these help them determine if your approach is a fit for the teammates or customers you will be working with. Zebra Technologies works with complicated technology often used in mission-critical and global business settings. Setbacks are to be expected, and it is important to convince your interviewer you can handle them gracefully.
Written by Karrie Day on January 11th, 2023
Remember To
Remember that some interviewers can easily detect a lie, even a small one. Answer questions like this honestly. Provide an answer that is believable and easy to resonate with. For example, a candidate who answered that they have no issues with setbacks and move past them easily in all instances would catch my attention as an interviewer. I would focus intently on their tone and body language throughout the rest of the interview because their answer to this question would seem suspect.
Written by Karrie Day on January 11th, 2023
Entry Level Example
"Experiencing a setback is always disappointing and can be a bit disheartening, but I understand that it happens occasionally. 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!"
Written by Karrie Day on January 11th, 2023
Experienced Example
"Setbacks can be disappointing, but I prefer to use them as motivation. Most of the setbacks I experience as a manager affect my teams, and I need to remain positive in the face of the challenge. I like to give everyone time to process the issue initially, but then I ask everyone to come together and shake it off so we can find a way forward again. My teams typically appreciate the balanced approach of honoring the truth of the situation while using it as motivation to improve or look forward to the next goal."
Written by Karrie Day on January 11th, 2023