Environmental Scientist Mock Interview
Practice 25 Environmental Scientist interview questions covering field methods, compliance, and data analysis.
Question 17 of 25
Tell me about a career related goal that you set and did not reach. How did you recover from the disappointment?
Entry Level
Experienced
How to Answer
Example Answer
Community Answers
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"Right out of university, I set the goal of being the department manager of a junior scientist division by my second year. That would have been six months ago, and I am, as you know, actively pursuing the role with your organization. Although I am slightly off track on my timeline, I do not feel defeated. I know I have the skill set needed to succeed in the role."
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"I wanted to become a principal scientist in my field by the time I was 34 years old. It took me longer than I expected but I realized I needed to go through the experiences I had to be the type of principal I am today."
Nisha Yadav is a Talent Advisor & People Specialist with a focus on global talent attraction. Her earlier career experience includes HR and recruitment roles where she specialized in contract and permanent IT recruitment opportunities.
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.
Nisha Yadav is a Talent Advisor & People Specialist with a focus on global talent attraction. Her earlier career experience includes HR and recruitment roles where she specialized in contract and permanent IT recruitment opportunities.
"Last January, I set a goal to learn the C 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."
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Anonymous Answer
Right out of college I had the goal of becoming a wildlife biologist, then the pandemic hit, but that didn't deter me. As soon as I was able I've been applying, sadly I've been denied too many times to count but here I am, still trying to get a job, I will love, I'm still trying to get out of customer service, I'm still trying to get out of my small town and get myself a "big girl job". And finally, it paid off since I was granted an interview for your office. Almost 2 years later and I'm starting to get some feedback. I have the education, I just need the experience and a chance.
Amanda's Feedback
This is a solid answer that just needs a bit more context. Rather than focusing on the number of times you have been rejected, which can make the interviewer question your value as a candidate, focus on what you've been doing to overcome your disappointment and achieve your goal. You can explain that while the pandemic has made the job search process more challenging, you've taken that time to continue learning and explore areas of environmental interest. Talk about volunteer opportunities you've undertaken, skills you've sharpened, or knowledge you've gained while pursuing your goal.
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