Give an example of a time when you have failed to reach a target or achievement. How did you handle this, and move forward?
This is a difficult question as it initially appears to be negative. Focus on something outside your work or something that happened whilst at work that you later rectified. Do not admit to any personal quality that might hamper job performance, such as procrastination, laziness or lack of concentration. Choose something that will not reflect badly on your ability to perform in the given position, such as one that took place early in your career. Interviewers don't ask this question to see you squirm, they want to know how you handle setbacks--so get to the part where you're dealing with the failure as quickly as possible.
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
At the start of my last year of high school, I was struggling with chemistry as a subject and was not getting the grades that I wanted to achieve. So instead of panicking about it, I organized myself and put 100% effort into it, doing questions and flashcards. By the end of that year, I had achieved an A!
Rachelle's Feedback
Your response is actionable, and positive. Good work!
"At the start of year 12, I was struggling with chemistry as a subject, failing to achieve the grades that I wanted. Instead of panicking, I organized myself and put in 100% of my efforts; doing practice questions, creating flashcards, and more. By the end of year 12, I achieved an 'A'!"
Anonymous Answer
When I was going into high school, I tried out for the dance team, and unfortunately, I did not make it. I was heartbroken because all my friends had made it. Looking back, I can see why I did not make it my first try. I was not the most talented ballerina, that is for sure. The next year, I took classes at the studio every night, took private lessons from the head coach, and worked on my technique and memory skills. The next year, I auditioned and made the team with ease.
Rachelle's Feedback
This is a good example of perseverance. Now that you have some work experience, however, I recommend that you keep your answer career-related. Otherwise, it may give the interviewer the impression that you are inexperienced.
Anonymous Answer
We regularly receive end-of-topic tests in school, so teachers can gauge our ability. I find biology particularly challenging and in year 12 I didn't do as well as I would have liked. Instead of giving up and ignoring my weaknesses, I focused on biology. I made revision cards and completed many past papers in order to increase my confidence in the subject. Now I am earning A's in these tests and hopefully, I will do just as well, if not better, in the real A-level exams.
Rachelle's Feedback
Terrific job in picking up your grades! It sounds like you are well-organized and have adopted some very effective study methods.
Anonymous Answer
At a county swimming gala, I was about to compete in my best race for that day when I fell off the blocks in front of coaches, assessors and hundreds of swimmers and spectators. It was extremely humiliating at the time. However, I moved forward, stayed at the event and continued to swim at the best of my ability in subsequent races and achieved many personal best.
Rachelle's Feedback
This is an excellent example of facing a roadblock and picking yourself back up. Despite the disappointment and embarrassment, you showed a great amount of character by pressing forward.
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