​It’s one of the most uncomfortable interview questions out there:

“Tell me about a time you failed.”

And yet, it’s one of the most common, and most revealing, questions hiring managers ask.

At Bentley Recruitment, we coach our candidates to see this as an opportunity, not a trap. If answered well, this question can highlight your self-awareness, resilience, and capacity for growth, all traits top employers in accounting and financial services are looking for.

Here’s how to turn a story of failure into a compelling success.

1. Choose a Real Example (Not a Fake Failure)

Avoid the temptation to say, “I work too hard” or “I’m a perfectionist.” Hiring managers can spot a dodged question from a mile away. Instead, choose a genuine failure, ideally from early in your career, or a moment that didn’t significantly harm your team or employer.

Look for examples where something didn’t go to plan, but you took ownership and learned from it.

2. Use the STAR Method

Structure your story with the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result):

• Situation – Brief context: Where were you working? What was the role?

• Task – What were you trying to achieve?

• Action – What went wrong? What did you do?

• Result – What did you learn or change moving forward?

Example:
“Early in my career, I underestimated the time required to complete a client audit. I missed a key deadline, which delayed the team. I owned the mistake, stayed late to make up the work, and introduced new time-blocking strategies to prevent it happening again. Since then, I’ve consistently delivered audits ahead of schedule.”

3. Focus on Growth, Not Guilt

Employers want to know you can reflect, adapt, and improve. Don’t dwell on what went wrong, emphasise what changed as a result. What skills did you gain? How has it shaped your professional approach?

4. Practice, But Don’t Over-Rehearse

Your response should sound natural and confident, not robotic. The goal is to show emotional intelligence and resilience.

Final Tip: Don’t Fear the Failure Question

Handled the right way, this question can build trust with your interviewer. It shows maturity and a willingness to own your development, something that matters deeply in accounting, finance, and business support roles where attention to detail and accountability are key.