Job Interviews: Why Preparing for Questions About Failure Matters More Than You Think
Job interviews naturally create anxiety – in fact, research shows people find them more frightening than visiting the dentist, handling spiders, or even skydiving. This anxiety has significant impacts, with 72% of job seekers reporting that the stress of job hunting has negatively affected their mental health. Under this pressure, many candidates focus on presenting a flawless image, with 70% either misrepresenting information on their resumes or using AI tools to enhance their applications.
However, new research from Kickresume, analyzing over 250 interview questions from prestigious companies like Apple, Google, and Unilever, reveals that this pursuit of perfection might be misguided. Instead of solely preparing to showcase strengths, candidates should be ready to discuss their failures and challenges.
The study uncovered several key patterns in how companies approach interviews. Perhaps most surprisingly, 22% of companies specifically ask candidates about their previous career failures. This focus on failure isn't meant to embarrass candidates – rather, it reveals how companies value self-awareness and resilience. When hiring managers ask about past mistakes, they're actually looking to understand how candidates handle challenges and grow from setbacks.
Beyond questions about failure, companies consistently probe candidates' real-world experience and problem-solving abilities. The research found that 54% of companies ask candidates to share specific examples using phrases like "Describe a time when..." This emphasis on storytelling suggests that concrete examples carry more weight than general statements about abilities. Companies also frequently explore candidates' abilities to handle workplace challenges, with 16% asking about deadline management and 10% investigating performance under pressure.
The research revealed several other important areas of focus:
- Company knowledge: 16% of firms test candidates' understanding of their organization and products, looking for genuine interest and initiative
- Achievement focus: 26% of companies ask about past accomplishments, with 16% specifically requesting candidates' "proudest" or "greatest" achievements
- Future orientation: 16% want to understand potential contributions, while 14% explore candidates' five-year career vision
- Team dynamics: 10% investigate experiences with difficult colleagues and conflict resolution skills, highlighting the importance of interpersonal abilities
Peter Duris, CEO and co-founder of Kickresume, offers a valuable perspective on these findings. He emphasizes that while questions about failure might feel uncomfortable, they present an opportunity to demonstrate problem-solving abilities and resilience. As he explains, "We've all messed up at some point; it's how you handle it that really matters."
For job seekers, this research suggests a shift in interview preparation strategy. Rather than trying to present an unblemished image, candidates should prepare thoughtful narratives about both successes and setbacks. The key lies in demonstrating growth, adaptability, and the ability to learn from challenges – qualities that increasingly matter to top employers.
Interestingly, the study also examined current hiring trends through LinkedIn data. Among the companies analyzed Amazon led with 32,070 open positions, followed by major consulting firms Deloitte (28,966), Accenture (28,759), PwC (25,729), and EY (22,933). This data provides valuable context about where these interview practices are most likely to be encountered.
The takeaway for job seekers is clear: success in modern interviews requires moving beyond rehearsed answers about strengths and accomplishments. Instead, candidates should prepare honest, reflective responses about their professional journey – including the setbacks and lessons learned along the way. This approach not only aligns with what hiring managers are actually looking for but also allows candidates to present themselves as self-aware, resilient professionals capable of growth and adaptation.