The WORST Interview Question

Career, For Individuals | 0 comments

“Tell me about a time when you failed.”

This can feel like a “can’t win” interview question, but I dislike it for a different reason.

It starts with my childhood dream…

I wanted to be a diplomat.

High school Model UN presidency, an undergraduate degree in international relations, and 5 years working abroad all prepared me for the rigorous year-long application process.

I made it through the first few phases and felt like the the all-day, in-person oral assessment was a mere formality.

I was wrong. 😶

After a morning of panel interviews and a group case study, I had a feeling by lunchtime that the foreign service and I were not meant to be.

At the end of the day, that was confirmed.

I had spent half my life preparing for a career as a diplomat and then I failed in less than 8 hours. 💥

I could have tried again the next year, but I decided to continue the corporate career and life I had begun stateside and become a diplomat on my terms.

Technically, I failed.

But looking back, I learned a lot about myself and found a direction that was a better fit for me. 😁

And that’s why I think that question is flawed.

Can you really call something that results in growth a failure? 🤷‍♀️

When you’re ready to find your better fit, email me at laura@corporatecompassionproject.com.

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