Tell us about a time that you made a mistake in your career and what steps you took to correct the mistake.

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
What You Should Say
Answer Example

The interviewer wants to hear that you know that it is only human to make mistakes in your career. The interviewer also wants to know that if you make a mistake, you will take responsibility and take the necessary steps to correct your error.

Think about a time that you made a mistake a work. Talk about what you did when you realized that the mistake had been made and what steps you were able to take to correct the mistake. Discuss what you learned from your error and what you will do differently moving forward to be sure that you will not make the same work mistake.

"In a previous position, it was a particularly busy workday and our schedulers had overbooked the day. I made the mistake of grabbing the wrong chart not realizing that an additional pet visit was scheduled that day. I quickly reviewed the chart and reason for the visit and entered the room. I started the visit by greeting the customer and pet and stated that I realized that the dog was there because he was not feeling well and that there was a suspected tick bite. The customer quickly corrected me and told me that the dog was actually there to be seen for repeated vomiting. I realized my error and was embarrassed. I immediately apologized to the customer and explained that I'd grabbed the wrong chart and he was very kind and understanding. Moving forward, I always double-check to be sure that I have the chart that matches the pet visit by comparing to the schedule and double checking when greeting the customer."

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How to Answer: Tell us about a time that you made a mistake in your career and what steps you took to correct the mistake.

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Veterinary Technician job interview.

6. Tell us about a time that you made a mistake in your career and what steps you took to correct the mistake.

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

The interviewer wants to hear that you know that it is only human to make mistakes in your career. The interviewer also wants to know that if you make a mistake, you will take responsibility and take the necessary steps to correct your error.

Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on March 7th, 2022

What You Should Say

Think about a time that you made a mistake a work. Talk about what you did when you realized that the mistake had been made and what steps you were able to take to correct the mistake. Discuss what you learned from your error and what you will do differently moving forward to be sure that you will not make the same work mistake.

Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on March 7th, 2022

Answer Example

"In a previous position, it was a particularly busy workday and our schedulers had overbooked the day. I made the mistake of grabbing the wrong chart not realizing that an additional pet visit was scheduled that day. I quickly reviewed the chart and reason for the visit and entered the room. I started the visit by greeting the customer and pet and stated that I realized that the dog was there because he was not feeling well and that there was a suspected tick bite. The customer quickly corrected me and told me that the dog was actually there to be seen for repeated vomiting. I realized my error and was embarrassed. I immediately apologized to the customer and explained that I'd grabbed the wrong chart and he was very kind and understanding. Moving forward, I always double-check to be sure that I have the chart that matches the pet visit by comparing to the schedule and double checking when greeting the customer."

Written by Lindsay Williams Ortega on March 7th, 2022

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