When you suffer a setback, how does that emotionally affect you and your work?

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Everyone handles the stress and disappointment of setbacks differently. Discuss with the interviewer how you typically cope with delays in the workplace.

"In science, se"‹tbacks happen for a reason, and they do not affect me emotionally in the least. I am a very pragmatic thinker and stay focused despite the challenges that come my way."

"Experiencing a setback is always disappointing and can be a bit disheartening, especially when research hours are lost for example. I understand that it happens from time to time. If I experience a major setback, I will take a few moments to debrief with my manager and discuss what I could have done differently. Then, I move on!"

"Setbacks can be trying, but I find that you have to learn how to lose before you learn how to win. While I never enjoy a setback, I use them as a stepping off point to something even better."

Anonymous Answer

"--- Setbacks can be disheartening, especially after losing hours of work. However, I try not to dwell on what is lost, because usually with a loss there is something to gain. When I have to deal with a setback I usually come out stronger, because the loss makes me focus that much more to ensure another one doesn't occur."

Amanda's Feedback

Good job! You can give the interviewer a deeper understanding of how this plays out in real life by sharing a specific example of a time when you suffered a setback, how it impacted you, specific steps you took to overcome it, and what the positive outcome was.

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How to Answer: When you suffer a setback, how does that emotionally affect you and your work?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Environmental Scientist job interview.

3. When you suffer a setback, how does that emotionally affect you and your work?

How to Answer

Everyone handles the stress and disappointment of setbacks differently. Discuss with the interviewer how you typically cope with delays in the workplace.

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 1st, 2021

Entry Level

"In science, se"‹tbacks happen for a reason, and they do not affect me emotionally in the least. I am a very pragmatic thinker and stay focused despite the challenges that come my way."

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 1st, 2021

Answer Example

"Experiencing a setback is always disappointing and can be a bit disheartening, especially when research hours are lost for example. I understand that it happens from time to time. If I experience a major setback, I will take a few moments to debrief with my manager and discuss what I could have done differently. Then, I move on!"

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 1st, 2021

Experienced

"Setbacks can be trying, but I find that you have to learn how to lose before you learn how to win. While I never enjoy a setback, I use them as a stepping off point to something even better."

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 1st, 2021

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"--- Setbacks can be disheartening, especially after losing hours of work. However, I try not to dwell on what is lost, because usually with a loss there is something to gain. When I have to deal with a setback I usually come out stronger, because the loss makes me focus that much more to ensure another one doesn't occur."

Amanda's Feedback

Good job! You can give the interviewer a deeper understanding of how this plays out in real life by sharing a specific example of a time when you suffered a setback, how it impacted you, specific steps you took to overcome it, and what the positive outcome was.

Next Question