Each Tuesday, the CSE Connect “Top Interviewing Questions Series” will highlight a different question from the CSE Top Interviewing Questions Guide, detailing 1) How the question is typically asked, 2) Why interviewers tend to ask the question and what the interviewer is looking for when asking the question, and 3) Tips for a successful response.
This week’s question is : “Tell me about a time when you failed”
How the Question is Typically Asked/Common Variations
- Tell me about a time when you failed
- Can you tell me about a time when you experienced failure?
Why Do Interviewers Ask/What are their Expectations
Failure is a natural part of anyone’s career. The interviewer seeks evidence that you’re able to recover (and learn) from failure. From your answer, the interviewer can deduce if you are growth-oriented.
Tips for Success
When facing tough or unexpected questions, “Always return the conversation to how you can add value” – Jennifer Voldins
Use the STAR method (Situation/Task, Approach and Results) to prepare your story, detailing what you learned from your experience. Choose a story that that shows a one-time mistake or error which is relatively minor and fixable, rather than a repeating problem.
Avoid stories that makes you sound careless, or like someone who rushes through things and makes many mistakes in general. Don’t make it sound like you learned nothing from the experience, and don’t blame others. Always be accountable for what you could have done differently in the failure
Alumni Advice
“You should always want a good recommendation from your company, and never speak poorly about other companies.”
“It’s not just a straight path… you can make mistakes and it’s okay, as long as you learn from them… as long as you continue to grow.”
“Don’t worry about making mistakes, just make new ones”
For practice with this question please visit: Big Interview > Practice > General
Visit the CSE Top Interviewing Questions Guide for more information regarding top general interview questions!
