How to Answer Interview Questions About Overcoming Adversity

Be prepared for a tough interview.

Practicing common interview questions is a good way to hone your skills and get ready for the meeting with the hiring manager who will ultimately decide your fate. Interviewers use a number of questions and techniques to test candidates and see how they respond to unfamiliar situations and uncommon questions. For instance, a hiring manager may ask you about a time when you made a mistake, or ask you to describe a time when you had to overcome adversity to get the job done. The way you answer the question gives potential employers an idea of your problem-solving skills and how well you turn a negative situation into a positive one.

Instructions

1. Think carefully before you start answering this question. Chances are the interviewer is probing to see how you respond to an unexpected problem. Review your work history to find a good example of a problem you had to overcome.

2. Explain the problem you encountered in as much detail as needed to properly convey the situation. Do not over complicate your answer, but do not leave out any key details either. Do not complain about coworkers or bosses when establishing the adversity you had to overcome. For instance, you should not say "My stupid coworker forgot to lock the door at closing and we got robbed." Instead, say something like, "I arrived at work and found there had been a burglary overnight." I immediately contacted the local police, and then called my supervisor to report the situation."

3. Provide an example of a time when you made a mistake that adversely impacted your employer if the hiring manager asks that question. Some interviewers will follow up a question about handling adversity caused by someone else with a question about a problem you caused. Explain what happened, what you did wrong, what you learned and how you would handle a similar situation differently today. The ability to learn from your mistakes can be very valuable, and providing a concrete example is a big plus in an interview.

References

• BNET: Interview Question -- Tell Us About a Time When Something Went Wrong
• UC Davis GSM Career Development: Effective Interviewing Guide -- Interview Questions