Can you give an example of a mistake you made in your previous role and how you resolved it?

Sample answer to the question

In my previous role as a Marketing Assistant, I made a mistake by sending out an email campaign to the wrong segment of our customer database. This happened because there was a mix-up in the email list provided to me by another team member. As soon as I realized the mistake, I immediately contacted our email marketing service provider to pause the campaign. I then reached out to our IT team to retrieve the correct segment list and quickly resent the email to the intended recipients. To prevent a similar mistake in the future, I implemented a double-checking process where I verify the email list with the team member responsible for providing it before starting any campaigns.

A more solid answer

In my previous role as a Marketing Assistant, I made a mistake by misspelling an important client's name in a presentation. I felt really embarrassed, but I quickly realized that I needed to take action to resolve the situation. I calmly approached my supervisor and admitted my mistake, explaining that I had already contacted the client to apologize and promised to correct the error immediately. My supervisor appreciated my honesty and advised me to double-check all client information in the future. I then immediately updated the presentation with the correct spelling and double-checked all the other details to ensure accuracy. From that experience, I learned the importance of being meticulous in my work and the value of open communication to address and resolve mistakes effectively.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provided a more specific example of a mistake and how it was resolved. It also highlighted the candidate's ability to take responsibility, communicate effectively, and learn from the experience. However, it could be further improved by providing specific details on how the candidate's organizational skills and attention to detail contributed to resolving the mistake.

An exceptional answer

In my previous role as a Marketing Assistant, I made a mistake by overlooking a crucial deadline for a campaign launch. This happened because I mistakenly relied on a reminder from a colleague, assuming they would notify me if there were any changes. When I realized the oversight, I immediately took action by informing my supervisor about the situation and proposing a revised timeline to mitigate the impact. To resolve the issue, I quickly assembled a team of colleagues and collaborated with them to expedite the necessary tasks to meet the revised deadline. We worked overtime and ensured all aspects of the campaign were executed flawlessly, meeting the new launch date. This experience taught me the importance of personal accountability and cross-verification of information, as well as the value of teamwork in resolving challenging situations.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer provided a more complex example of a mistake and demonstrated the candidate's exceptional problem-solving and teamwork skills. It also showed the importance of personal accountability and the ability to adapt to unexpected changes. The candidate provided specific details on how the mistake was resolved with a concrete outcome. The answer could be further improved by discussing how the candidate's attention to detail played a role in identifying and rectifying the mistake.

How to prepare for this question

Reflect on past experiences and identify specific mistakes you have made in your previous roles.
Choose a mistake that is relevant to the job description, highlighting skills such as attention to detail, organizational skills, problem-solving, and adaptability.
Describe the mistake briefly and focus on how you resolved it, emphasizing your ability to take responsibility, communicate effectively, and learn from the experience.
Highlight specific actions you took to rectify the mistake and prevent future occurrences, such as implementing double-checking processes or collaborating with colleagues.
Practice discussing the mistake and its resolution in a concise and confident manner, emphasizing the positive outcomes and lessons learned.
Be truthful, humble, and avoid blaming others for the mistake. Showcase your growth mindset and willingness to learn from your errors.

What interviewers are evaluating

Attention to detail
Problem-solving
Adaptability
Organizational skills