How to Answer: What is your first reaction when you do something wrong at work?
15. What is your first reaction when you do something wrong at work?
How to Answer
How you react to an error made will tell the interviewer a great deal about you and your honesty level. Perhaps the mistake is one that could land you in a lot of trouble. Would you try to hide the incident, or would you tell a supervisor right away, and have the situation rectified?
Answer Example
"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? That would be my line of thinking if a mistake were to occur."
Admin
"Nobody is perfect, and neither am I. If I made an error in the workplace, I would admit it and do what it takes to fix the situation."
Manager
"It is embarrassing to make mistakes but things happen, and I am a fan of getting things out of the way. I would tell someone about the situation in hopes that a resolution is made as soon as possible."
Marketing
"I am hard on myself so when I do something wrong or make a mistake. If I make an error, the first thing I would do is research how to fix it. I am independent and smart, so I know that I could repair any damage very quickly."
Retail
"I would never hide something or cover up a mistake just for the sake of saving face. I am an honest and upfront person."
Sales
"I was raised to be upfront about my mistakes, and for that reason, I would tell my manager or supervisor and ask for help to fix the problem."
Teacher
"I fully believe in honesty and immediately repairing what I have done wrong. I am not too proud to admit when I have made a mistake."
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