Answering Interview Questions

What was the biggest mistake you ever made, and what did you learn from it?

There is a big difference between making a mistake--we all are guilty of that--and doing something wrong.

Most people don't intentionally go around making mistakes.

The important thing is to admit it when you've made a mistake, learn from it, and move on.

Here are the real behavioral interview questions your interviewers would like to ask you:

• Can you admit to a mistake? Some people will never admit to being wrong.
• Do you learn from your mistakes?
• Do you always have to be right?
• Are you humble and open to learning?
• Do you tend to blame others or circumstances for your mistakes?

These are the thoughts the hiring managers are having as you are answering interview questions like this. Your body language alone can give you away if you try to gloss over your answer.

Look them in the eye, be straightforward, and brief.

It is human nature to forgive, provided you are truthful, and accept full responsibility for your actions.

If you openly admit to a mistake and have grown from it, you will be viewed positively, and as someone with integrity and character.

True Story

• Manager: So, tell me, Jaimee...What was the biggest mistake you ever made, and what did you learn from it?
• Jaimee: A few years ago, our corporate leaders moved me, and my sales team of 6 people, to a regional manufacturing center in Pennsylvania.

  I now reported to the General Manager of this operation.

  The facility was brand new, and there was so much available office space that every Sales Rep would be able to have their own office. This step up was a nice perk, and it softened the blow of we all having to relocate.

  About 2 weeks into our transition, the General Manager came into my office and announced that he thought it would be best if our sales team was all together in one large "bullpen" office.

  He reasoned that if all the sales people were together it would create more energy and teamwork.

  I disagreed, and was concerned about how this would affect the morale of my team...especially since everyone had already settled in. To make matters worse, all the other department managers and staff had their own personal offices.

  So, in addition to deflated morale, I thought the Sales Department would also look like second class citizens.

  A few days later, the Director of Sales from our corporate office visited our facility. He asked me how our transition was going and if I had any issues.

  I told him about my GM's bullpen office plan for our team, and shared with him why I thought it was a mistake.

  The Sales Director agreed with me.

  And...he proceeded to trump the GM's decision.

  Naturally, my GM was unhappy that I "had gone over his head". Consequently, our working relationship was strained for many months.

  It took awhile to win back the faith and confidence of my GM.

  But, the dust finally settled, and we were still able to work together and achieve our goals.

  I learned from this uncomfortable experience to always follow the chain of command. If I have a problem with my boss's decision, I go directly to him/her to discuss it.

  After presenting my views, if the GM stands firm, then I move forward and execute the plan without complaining or politicking.

  Years later, this approach paid dividends when I was assigned to a struggling division and worked for an autocratic GM who no one liked.

  We developed a mutual respect for each other and kept our differences confidential resulting in the turnaround of this division.

Answering interview questions like this are always difficult. Handled appropriately, you can actually enhance your chances of an offer.