How do you react when the outcome of a case is discouraging?

"Last year, I worked on a very complicated investigation surrounding drug trafficking and money laundering. Due to politics out of our control, my unit did not see our desired outcome. Rather than feel angry and internalize the situation, I chose not to allow the outcome to impact my perceived value as an investigator. I mustn't allow ego to get in the way of my growth. I am strong enough to handle failures and receive them as opportunities for growth."

"Being new to my career as a criminal investigator, I suspect that the first disappointing outcome will be the hardest to handle. Today, as a student, I receive grades lower than I would like at times and choose to take them as growth opportunities. I have learned that I feel discouraged when my expectations do not properly align with reality. To avoid overreacting in a situation where I am disappointed, I ask myself whether or not my expectations are realistic. If needed, I will adjust these expectations, learn what I need to, and move on with confidence."

Rather than focusing on the negative aspect of an unfortunate case, it is best to focus on the positive and what you learned from the experience. How you handle perceived failures and grow from them shows the interviewer that you have the emotional fortitude needed for the job.

You want to avoid dwelling on the outcome of a discouraging case or tell the interviewer that you have a hard time handling unfortunate results. As a Criminal Investigator, you must be able to roll with the punches and keep moving forward, no matter the outcome of an investigation.