How To Answer “Tell Me About A Time You Failed” (With Examples)

Facing the interview question “Tell me about a time you failed” can occur at any stage of your job search, making it crucial to prepare an effective response. This common interview question serves as a vital tool for interviewers, providing insights into your character, accountability, and growth mindset based on your chosen example.

In this article, we’ll explore how to effectively answer “Tell me about a time you failed,” offer sample responses, and identify common pitfalls to avoid when tackling this interview question.
Key Takeaways:

• Be transparent about your mistake.

• Prepare your answer in advance to avoid being caught off guard.

• Emphasize your growth and the steps you took to rectify the situation.

How to answer “Tell me about a time you failed”

When addressing the question “Tell me about a time you failed,” honesty is key. It’s essential to convey what you learned from your experience. Here’s a structured approach to crafting your response:

1. Be honest. Choose a genuine failure and take responsibility for it. An honest portrayal of your mistake is undermined if you conclude with excuses or blame others.

2. Demonstrate what you learned. Highlight how you addressed the failure and what insights you gained from the experience. Employers want to see your problem-solving skills and how you handle setbacks.

3. Consider the outcome. Reflect on what the hiring manager might infer from your story. Does it demonstrate resilience and the ability to grow, or does it reveal flaws that could hinder your candidacy?

4. Utilize the STAR method. Structure your answer using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide a clear and compelling narrative. This method is effective for all behavioral interview questions.

Example answers to “Tell me about a time you failed”

Here are several examples to illustrate how to effectively answer this question:

1. Example: Failure at a task

   “In my first internship, I was eager to impress and took on too many tasks with unrealistic deadlines. This resulted in consistently late submissions, which frustrated my coworkers.

   Realizing the impact of my actions, I developed a task-tracking system to manage my workload effectively and ensure timely completion. I learned that it’s better to set realistic timelines and exceed expectations than to overpromise and underdeliver.”

   Why it works: This response illustrates accountability and shows awareness of how his actions affected team dynamics. It also emphasizes personal growth and the development of organizational skills.

2. Example: Failure to follow protocol

   “At my previous job as a warehouse foreman, I mistakenly oversaw a duplicate order due to a new software issue. I failed to adhere to the established protocols that would have caught the error. Thankfully, the client was understanding, but I learned the importance of maintaining checklists for every order to ensure accuracy.”

   Why it works: This answer acknowledges the software issue while taking responsibility for her oversight. It also highlights her commitment to maintaining high standards in her work.

3. Example: Project setbacks

   “Last year, I was managing a project with a tight deadline when a key team member fell ill and had to take extended leave. Initially, we redistributed the workload but soon realized it was unsustainable.

   I communicated with management and suggested hiring a temporary contractor to help. This decision allowed us to adapt and keep the project on track despite the challenges.”

   Why it works: The candidate demonstrates adaptability and problem-solving skills, which are crucial in any workplace setting.

4. Example: Losing a customer

   “In a prior role managing key accounts, I lost a customer due to our inability to meet their evolving needs. I took the initiative to communicate openly with them about our challenges and expressed empathy.

   Despite my efforts, they chose to switch to a competitor. In response, we took measures to improve our processes and proactively sought feedback from other clients to enhance our service.”

   Why it works: This response reflects accountability and shows a willingness to learn and improve from the experience.

Examples of failures for interviews

Here are additional examples of failures you can reference in your response:

• Failure to meet a project deadline

• Ignoring customer feedback

• Overcommitting and failing to deliver

• Not meeting performance expectations

• Overpromising assistance

• Failing an assignment

• Not securing a job

• Mismanaging a project budget

• Miscommunication with colleagues

Why interviewers ask “Tell me about a time you failed”

This question is a behavioral interview inquiry aimed at understanding how candidates handle challenging situations. Discussing a work-related failure reveals a lot about your character and professionalism, offering insights into your potential as an employee.

While discussing a failure can be daunting, it provides an opportunity to showcase your self-awareness and growth mindset.

Common mistakes to avoid when answering “Tell me about a time you failed”

When responding to this question, avoid shifting blame or referencing failures related to unethical behavior. Here are other common pitfalls to avoid:

• Blaming others. This question centers on your failure. Attempting to shift blame undermines your accountability and may suggest a lack of self-awareness.

• Bringing up unethical failures. Certain mistakes, particularly those involving unethical behavior, should be avoided. Focus on experiences that allow for constructive reflection and growth.

• Claiming you’ve never failed. This raises doubts about your honesty and self-reflection. Acknowledging failure is a part of the learning process; everyone experiences setbacks.

Tips for answering “Tell me about a time you failed”

Behavioral interview questions focus on your ability to grow from past experiences. Here are some strategies to enhance your response:

• Emphasize your progress. Highlight how you evolved after your failure. Employers appreciate candidates who learn from their mistakes and demonstrate the ability to improve.

• Address extenuating factors. While it’s essential to take responsibility, acknowledging external factors that contributed to your failure can humanize your experience. However, ensure that the primary accountability lies with you.

“Tell me about a time you failed” FAQs

1. How do you answer a job interview question about failure?

   To answer this question effectively, you should:

   • Be honest

   • Show what you learned

   • Focus on future improvements

   • Utilize the STAR method

   These steps will help position you as a qualified candidate who can navigate challenges professionally.

2. What are examples of failing at work?

   Examples include:

   • Missing a deadline

   • Losing a client

   • Not making a sale

   • Accidentally deleting a project file

   • Struggling with public speaking

   • Failing to respond to an important email

3. What is failure viewed positively?

   Failure can be reframed as an opportunity for growth. It allows you to learn from your mistakes and adapt, leading to new opportunities that might not have been apparent before.

4. What are the types of failure?

   Types include preventable failure, systemic failure, and intelligent failure. Preventable failure occurs when known processes are ignored. Systemic failure arises from issues within a system, while intelligent failure results from trial and error during experimentation.

5. How do you discuss a failure in an interview?

   When discussing a failure, describe the situation and what went wrong using the STAR method. After explaining the context, share what you learned and the steps you will take to prevent similar issues in the future.

Final thoughts

Now that you understand the nuances of discussing your failures, remember that it’s not just about the mistake itself, but how you learned and evolved from it. Showcasing your ability to reflect on setbacks and implement positive changes will resonate with hiring managers.

Ultimately, the question about failure is less about the failure itself and more about how you turned that experience into a stepping stone for success.

Everyone appreciates a compelling story of resilience.

References

1. U.S. Department of Labor – Interview Tips

2. Harvard Business Review – How to Answer “Tell Me About a Time You Failed” in a Job Interview

Author

Ryan Morris

Ryan Morris was a writer for the Zippia Advice blog who tried to make the job process a little more entertaining for all those involved. He obtained his BA and Masters from Appalachian State University.