"One goal I had in mind was to attend two workshops per year, focused on leadership. Volumes in my current organization increased exponentially, which was excellent. However, my goal fell by the wayside. I would like to get back on track with this goal once time allows."

"I set a goal to be a retail store manager by the time I was 25. This goal did not happen, as the company I worked for, for five years, was acquired by a competitor just months before my promotion was to take place. It was a disappointment, but this is what's driving me to apply to bigger and better roles, just like this opportunity!"

"This past year, I wanted to double my sales quota, earning a commission check of 80,000. I worked very hard by making additional cold calls, doubling up on my customer touch points, and being available for my clients 24/7. In the end, I did not reach my goal. However, I did beat my quota by 40% which was still an excellent achievement."

"One goal I set was to take our girls' soccer team to Nationals this year. We practiced frequently, and very hard. We didn't make Nationals, and the girls were disappointed. I took it as an opportunity to take the momentum and re-focus their efforts on next season."

"I set a goal to receive a promotion to marketing manager last year. I did not get the promotion; rather, they transferred an existing manager from an alternate location. It was a disappointment, but I understood their side. It's often easier to transfer than to retrain a new person."

Tell the interviewer about a goal you set for yourself, but failed to meet. Show the interviewer that you are ambitious and, rather than giving up, you are going to try to achieve that goal again. Everyone has goals they have failed to reach so do not be embarrassed about that aspect. The interviewer is more interested in knowing that you are persistent and tenacious.

"Last January, I set a goal to learn the Python programming language by June; however, a few unexpected work-based projects came up which slowed my progress. Instead, I have been practicing and studying the language every Sunday evening. I hope to be comfortable with the programming language by August."