How to Answer: Describe a time you made the wrong career decision. How did you correct your misstep?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Financial Analyst job interview.
11. Describe a time you made the wrong career decision. How did you correct your misstep?
What You Need to Know
Careers rarely follow a straight line. Sometimes what may at first seem like an excellent opportunity for career advancement might result in an unintended detour that veers your trajectory off course, such as taking a job with a company that wasn't as reputable as initially believed or taking a role that was 'oversold' to you. Others might have pursued a degree that seemed appealing at the time, but when immersed in it, they realized it wasn't the right fit. Many financial analysts may have pursued a career in banking, only to realize that they found more satisfaction in consulting, for example. But the most important thing is that you realized what went wrong and took measures to learn from your mistakes. As Alice Cooper says, "Mistakes are part of the game. It's how well you recover from them, that's the mark of a great player."
Written by Kevin Downey on August 1st, 2023
Answer Example
"Last year, I was offered a management position that would have offered me the leadership experience I was looking for. Unfortunately, I turned down the offer for fear that I was not yet ready for the responsibility of being a leader to so many people. My lack of confidence in myself got in the way. I recognized that lack of confidence in myself and turned it around by attending three leadership workshops over the next year. Now I am bursting with confidence and ready to take on this leadership role with your company."
Written by Rachelle Enns