Arrgh, right? Any question on an interview that starts with “Tell me about a time” is sure to be a challenge. Perhaps the most challenging is this one – Tell me about a time you failed at work. How did you handle it? 

It may be challenging, but if you look at it from an employer perspective, it’s perhaps the most important question you can answer. After all, we all fail sometimes right? Failing gracefully and learning from failure is what drives innovation, and perhaps your greatest opportunity to illustrate your value for a potential employer.

There are three golden rules for answering this question.

1) Keep it short and simple. Give the example, explain how you handled it and move on. Do NOT under any circumstances spend extended amounts of time elaborating on your failure or your faults. This is a job interview, not a psychotherapy session.

2) Lead with your strengths. Are you incredibly analytical? Provide an example of a situation that has a resolution that highlights your strengths and then immediately close with a statement that reaffirms how that strength will benefit the potential employer.

3) Practice, practice, practice. Do NOT be caught off guard with these kinds of tough, behavioral interview questions. Walking into an interview without at least an outline of how you will address questions like this is like walking in without your pants on. If you’re not sure how you send, run through it with a friend who will be honest and real with you.