If you, as an interview candidate is asked, “Are you willing to fail?” you should be careful to not just give a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer. Provide context to your response. Interviewers often use this question to gain insight into your thought processes; how you respond when you do not achieve your desired outcome; and your sense of sound judgment. So, to respond intelligently and completely to this question, make certain to address the following points:
- Begin your response by telling the interviewer that you make it a habit of not approaching projects or challenges with a failure mindset. Instead, you develop a plan that includes anticipating possible stumbling blocks and having a backup readily available; however, you realize that some circumstances are out of your control.
- Tell them that while you, like anyone else, would rather not fail; you are not afraid to fail because there are some valuable lessons and/or benefits that can result from failure.
- List some of those benefits such as 1) learning the approaches to that challenge that do not work successfully; 2) gaining new insight into the adjustments that may need to be made to achieve success; 3) getting closer to your desired outcome; or 4) determining the true feasibility of, or lack thereof to achieving your desired outcome.
You don’t have to feel stuck when faced with thought-provoking questions as this one. Relax, consider what the interviewer is trying to learn about you by asking the question and respond confidently.
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