Mistake and Failure Questions
Learn how to best answer mistake and failure questions by showcasing your adaptability, feedback-orientated mindset, and accountability.
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Mistake and failure questions in interviews aim to assess a candidate’s adaptability, feedback-orientated mindset, and ability to take ownership of their mistakes. These questions help evaluate how candidates handle setbacks, embrace feedback, and demonstrate a growth mindset in their professional experiences.
Example questions
Check out the example mistake and failure questions below:
Describe a situation where you encountered a technical setback or failure in a project you were leading. What went wrong, and how did you handle it?
Tell me about a time when you made a technical decision that didn't work out as expected. What were the consequences, and how did you address the situation?
Can you share a time when you underestimated the complexity or scope of a technical task, resulting in delays or difficulties for the project? How did you handle the situation, and what did you learn from it?
How to answer
When answering questions about mistakes and failures in interviews, it’s important to structure your response in a way that highlights your accountability, problem-solving skills, and growth mindset. Here’s a guide on how to structure your answer effectively:
- Start with acknowledging your mistake and taking responsibility. Openly admit your mistake and take
