Interview Questions #4
Tell me about something you did – or failed to do – that you now feel a little ashamed of.
This is not a usual question, but it is that which tries to pick a fault especially if the candidate is likely to be sailing on a clean slate. Another way of asking this question is “Tell me of something you would rather not do if the opportunity presents itself again / or now that you are wise.” Don’t be deceived, the interviewer wants to dig deeper into your weakness, in-capabilities etc. Key is to present a positive personality or a willing to improve attitude.
Let’s hear from the experts
TRAPS:
There are some questions your interviewer has no business asking, and this is one. But while you may feel like answering, “none of your business,” naturally you can’t. Some interviewers ask this question on the chance you admit to something, but if not, at least they’ll see how you think on your feet.
Some unprepared candidates, flustered by this question, unburden themselves of guilt from their personal life or career, perhaps expressing regrets regarding a parent, spouse, child, etc. All such answers can be disastrous.
BEST ANSWER:
As with faults and weaknesses, never confess a regret. But don’t seem as if you’re stonewalling either.
Best strategy: Say you harbor no regrets, then add a principle or habit you practice regularly for healthy human relations.
Example: Pause for reflection, as if the question never occurred to you. Then say, “You know, I really can’t think of anything.” (Pause again, then add): “I would add that as a general management principle, I’ve found that the best way to avoid regrets is to avoid causing them in the first place. I practice one habit that helps me a great deal in this regard. At the end of each day, I mentally review the day’s events and conversations to take a second look at the people and developments I’m involved with and do a double check of what they’re likely to be feeling. Sometimes I’ll see things that do need more follow-up, whether a pat on the back, or maybe a five minute chat in someone’s office to make sure we’re clear on things…whatever.”
Tell me about something you did – or failed to do – that you now feel a little ashamed of.
“I also like to make each person feel like a member of an elite team, like the Boston Celtics or LA Lakers in their prime. I’ve found that if you let each team member know you expect excellence in their performance…if you work hard to set an example yourself…and if you let people know you appreciate and respect their feelings, you wind up with a highly motivated group, a team that’s having fun at work because they’re striving for excellence rather than brooding over slights or regrets.”
POINTS TO NOTE & THINGS TO DO
- Present a positive character, personality & attitude
- Do not rush in to answer the question, or the interviewer would guess that you weren’t caught off guard.
- Pause for effect or repeat the question for effect
- Nobody is perfect: the organisation is not expecting you to be perfect but smart
- Answer the question intelligently, focusing on how you strategically improved on areas you may have had challenges, but don’t speak about regrets.
- Or talk about personal or work ethics that have helped you reduce or eliminate making mistakes
- Or explain how an experience from a past challenge or error has benefitted you and earned you/or your past company greater rewards
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Interview Question #5 – Why are you leaving (or did you leave) this position?
Speechless was here!
