Tell me about a time that you failed. How did you get back up again?

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Of course, nobody really wants to admit a failure, especially when you're face to face with your future employer. You want to make the best impression possible! However, the interviewer is gauging how you deal with adversity and how you bounce back and learn from disappointing experiences. Think of an example of perceived failure from the past and spend most of your time focusing on how you bounced back and what you learned from the experience. Using this approach, your answer will maintain a positive and motivated tone. Be careful not to lay blame on others or complain about outside factors.

Behavioral-based interview questions that begin with 'Tell me about a time...' are best answered using the STAR method. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Organizing your response using this framework will ensure that you provide the interviewer with the right amount of information and detail to form a compelling answer.

"(Situation) One of the bigger perceived failures that I can think of was not graduating as soon as expected, with my Bachelor of Interior Design. (Task) I had detailed plans laid out and was eager to graduate with my degree in 2018. (Action) I encountered a few personal factors that pushed my graduation date back one year. It was a bit embarrassing at the time, but I made the best of it by keeping a positive mindset and keeping my knowledge of design trends current. I also carved out time every week to work inside design tools such as CAD, PhotoShop, and InDesign so that I wouldn't become rusty. (Result) In the end, I am thankful that I could complete my degree at a comfortable pace. I finished with excellent grades as well."

Anonymous Answer

"One of the bigger perceived failures I can think of was not getting a full-time offer after my first internship as Interior Designer. I felt very frustrated at the beginning, but later on, told myself that there were still a lot of opportunities I could grab. I tried to keep a positive mindset and sharpened my skillset day by day. Also, I tried to be open to various opportunities. Finally, I got my second job as a Project Manager and spent one and a half years there, profoundly contributing to the company and gaining solid growth with something I may never be able to learn at school."

Stephanie's Feedback

This question requires vulnerability, and you do an excellent job of being honest and self-aware. You owned the perceived failure, while also showing the steps you took to move forward. The only additional suggestion I have for making this response even stronger is adding a brief concluding sentence, stating what you learned.