How to Answer: What would you do if a boss or co-worker blamed you for a mistake that you were not responsible for?
19. What would you do if a boss or co-worker blamed you for a mistake that you were not responsible for?
The Goal
When blamed for an error that we didn't cause, it can be human nature to become defensive. The interviewer wants evidence that you are the type of employee who would maintain professionalism even in a situation where you felt blamed. The goal of your response is to showcase that you have the communication skills needed to overcome this potential conflict.
Written by Rachelle Enns on March 16th, 2022
What to Avoid
Avoid giving a reactive response. For instance, responding with, 'I would tell my boss or co-worker that they were mistaken,' shows that you are reactive vs. proactive. Instead, give a reply highlighting your willingness to get to the issue's core. This approach might sound like, 'I would start by asking my boss or co-worker why they believed I was responsible for the mistake.'
Written by Rachelle Enns on March 16th, 2022
Pro Tip
Being blamed for a mistake that you did not make can be among the most frustrating situations in the workplace. The interviewer wants to know how you would handle this situation if it happened to you. Because this question asks, 'What would you do if...,' you can respond hypothetically. The Situation, Solution, Benefit formula is helpful in this instance.
Step 1) Situation: Express your understanding of the hypothetical situation.
Step 2) Solution: Outline the solution you would introduce in this hypothetical situation.
Step 3) Benefit: Highlight how your communication style will benefit the hiring company.
Written by Rachelle Enns on March 16th, 2022
How to Answer
Since this scenario-based question is hypothetical, consider what you would do if a boss or co-worker blamed you for an error that you know you did not cause. Using the Situation, Solution, Benefit formula, describe how you would handle the encounter. Be sure to highlight your excellent communication skills and ability to come to a resolution without becoming overly defensive.
Suppose you have encountered this situation in the past. In that case, you can use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide a story-based example to support your initial Situation, Solution, Benefit response.
Written by Rachelle Enns on March 16th, 2022
Answer Example
"(Situation) It can feel really uncomfortable and even disheartening to be blamed for a mistake that you know you are not responsible for making. (Solution) If a boss or co-worker blamed me for a mistake that I was not responsible for, I would take a moment to reflect on the ways I could have contributed to the mistake. Rather than become defensive, I would show an openness to having a constructive conversation. I would ask my boss or co-worker to explain how they concluded that I was responsible for the error. (Benefit) I am a positive team player. The benefit of this is that even if I do not take the blame, I will approach the situation as an opportunity to take responsibility to fix the mistake."
Written by Rachelle Enns on March 16th, 2022