The interview, or chat with your boss at review time, is going well, then they ask you the dreaded trap question - "so, tell me, what is the biggest mistake you have made in your job or career?" Forget everything else you have read on this, there is only one answer that works, I know, I have interviewed for top project managers, and their answer to this question is the biggest factor in whether they got on the short-list, or not...
...Most people talk about a mistake, and how they fixed it themselves, or they indirectly blame something or somebody other than themselves. Fine, if you want to be one of the many...
To be one of the few, do this - admit to the biggest mistake you have made, take ownership of it - it was your fault and ultimately yours alone - and talk about the negative consequences for your company. Then, and only then, say what you learned from it.
PS How to have maximum influence in a meeting - if the chairman/woman is right handed, sit to their right, and if left, to their left. They will naturally lean this way during the meeting as they take notes. And look who is there. You.
Comments (1)
Hi David,
It always pays to be yourself at an interview.
Refer to ..Being up front during an interview For more details.
Derek
Posted by Derek Morrison | June 18, 2007 5:28 PM
Posted on June 18, 2007 17:28