How to Answer: Tell me about a time you made a mistake. How did you correct the mistake?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Nuclear Engineer job interview.
17. Tell me about a time you made a mistake. How did you correct the mistake?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer asks questions like this to understand how you handle challenges. Everyone makes mistakes, and the interviewer wants to know how you handle those mistakes. They also want to determine your weaknesses and decide if you have what it takes to do the job well.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
How to Answer
Talk about a specific example of a time you made a mistake. Briefly explain what the mistake was and then explain what you learned or how you improved after making that mistake. When talking about what you learned, emphasize the skills or qualities you gained that are important for the job you're interviewing for now.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022
Answer Example
"One thing I have learned from past mistakes is when to ask for help. I have learned that it is better to ask for clarification and help to deal with an issue right away than to be unsure. I read that your company emphasizes teamwork and the need to be in constant communication with one another, and I think my ability to ask (and answer) questions of my peers would help me fit in well with your company culture."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on March 5th, 2022