How to Answer This Interview Question

It is no secret that you should prepare for your interview, especially questions that you may have trouble answering.  One of those “tough” questions always seem to be, “tell me about a mistake you made on the job.”  How should you answer this interview question?  No one likes to talk about their mistakes, especially to someone you are trying to impress.  Yet, you not only need to answer this question, but make sure it shows how you learned from the mistake.



Here are a few tips to help you prepare and answer this tough interview question:

• This question is asked at almost every interview.  It may come in different forms, but the same outlook is expected – the interviewer wants to see how you handle answering a question about something you did wrong, what you learned from it, and how you have moved past it.  This is why, it is important that you prepare for this question.
• As you prepare for this question, it is important to remember that they are looking for self-awareness.  Knowing you made a mistake, and admitting it is part of the process.  As you prepare, keep this in mind.  In addition, the example you give should be powerful to portray the self-awareness, but should also be short enough to not monopolize the entire interview.  Keep your answer to around a minute.
• Make sure that you cover what you learned by making the mistake in your answer.  Depending on how you answer, you may be asked some follow-up questions.  Answer them honestly, but remember to keep your answers to about a minute.

Many hiring managers and recruiters today are looking for candidates that not only can admit when they make a mistake, but learn from the mistake, even grow from it.  As you prepare for your next interview, make sure you dig deep and prepare an answer to this interview question that will show the interviewer you are the right person!

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