Failures Interview Preparation Guide
Refine your Failures interview skills with our 25 critical questions. These questions will test your expertise and readiness for any Failures interview scenario. Ideal for candidates of all levels, this collection is a must-have for your study plan. Get the free PDF download to access all 25 questions and excel in your Failures interview. This comprehensive guide is essential for effective study and confidence building.25 Failures Questions and Answers:
1 :: Please define failures in different ways?
Here are different ways to define failures:
☛ The condition or fact of not achieving the desired end or ends: the failure of an experiment.
☛ One that fails: a failure at one's career.
☛ The condition or fact of being insufficient or falling short: a crop failure.
☛ A cessation of proper functioning or performance: a power failure.
☛ Nonperformance of what is requested or expected, omission: failure to report a change of address.
☛ The act or fact of failing to pass a course, test or assignment.
☛ A decline in strength or effectiveness.
☛ The act or fact of becoming bankrupt or insolvent.
☛ The condition or fact of not achieving the desired end or ends: the failure of an experiment.
☛ One that fails: a failure at one's career.
☛ The condition or fact of being insufficient or falling short: a crop failure.
☛ A cessation of proper functioning or performance: a power failure.
☛ Nonperformance of what is requested or expected, omission: failure to report a change of address.
☛ The act or fact of failing to pass a course, test or assignment.
☛ A decline in strength or effectiveness.
☛ The act or fact of becoming bankrupt or insolvent.
2 :: What you should not say while answering this question, why would you like to work in this industry?
Bad answer:
I like firefighting. I think it is really cool.
Do not just say you like it. Anyone can like firefighting. Focus instead on your history with the industry and if you can, tell a story.
Good answer:
I have always appreciated and admired those who put their lives on the line to protect our comminutues. My interest really piqued in firefighting however after I witnessed a post-crash rescue. I heard the calling as I watched the first response team pull the civilians to safety and out of harms way. It was then I knew that this is what I was meant to do.
I like firefighting. I think it is really cool.
Do not just say you like it. Anyone can like firefighting. Focus instead on your history with the industry and if you can, tell a story.
Good answer:
I have always appreciated and admired those who put their lives on the line to protect our comminutues. My interest really piqued in firefighting however after I witnessed a post-crash rescue. I heard the calling as I watched the first response team pull the civilians to safety and out of harms way. It was then I knew that this is what I was meant to do.
3 :: What you should not say while answering this question, tell us something about yourself?
Bad answer:
I graduated four years ago from the University of Michigan, with a Bachelor's degree in Biology but I decided that was not the right path for me. I switched gears and got my first job working in a fire department. Then I went on to work in another department and started participating in training courses. After that, I took a few months off to travel. Finally, I came back to start working again. And now, here I am, looking for a more challenging fire and rescue role.
Good answer:
I am a very energetic and well-rounded person who can follow instructions well. I am a good communicator and quite a team player. At the last department I was with I initiated medic classes for the firefighters who were interested in learning first-aid techniques. Because it was such a success, the entire department is in the process of getting certifications for all members in different areas of response medical aid.
I graduated four years ago from the University of Michigan, with a Bachelor's degree in Biology but I decided that was not the right path for me. I switched gears and got my first job working in a fire department. Then I went on to work in another department and started participating in training courses. After that, I took a few months off to travel. Finally, I came back to start working again. And now, here I am, looking for a more challenging fire and rescue role.
Good answer:
I am a very energetic and well-rounded person who can follow instructions well. I am a good communicator and quite a team player. At the last department I was with I initiated medic classes for the firefighters who were interested in learning first-aid techniques. Because it was such a success, the entire department is in the process of getting certifications for all members in different areas of response medical aid.
4 :: What you should not say while answering this question, where do you see yourself in five years?
Bad answer:
Relaxing on a beach in Maui or doing your job.
There is really no right answer to this question but the interviewer wants to know that you are ambitious, career-oriented and committed to a future with the company. So instead of sharing your dream for early retirement or trying to be funny, give them an answer that illustrates your drive and commitment.
Good answer:
In five years I would like to have an even better understanding of fire and rescue. Also, I really enjoy being the first to a scene. I work very well under pressure. Ultimately, I would like to be in a commander-type position, where I can use my organizational skills and industry knowledge to benefit the people working with me and those we are there to help.
Relaxing on a beach in Maui or doing your job.
There is really no right answer to this question but the interviewer wants to know that you are ambitious, career-oriented and committed to a future with the company. So instead of sharing your dream for early retirement or trying to be funny, give them an answer that illustrates your drive and commitment.
Good answer:
In five years I would like to have an even better understanding of fire and rescue. Also, I really enjoy being the first to a scene. I work very well under pressure. Ultimately, I would like to be in a commander-type position, where I can use my organizational skills and industry knowledge to benefit the people working with me and those we are there to help.
5 :: What you should not say while answering about the salary?
Bad answer:
In my last job I earned $35,000, so, now I am looking for $40,000.
If you can avoid it, do not give an exact number. The first person to name a price in a salary negotiation loses. Instead, re-iterate your commitment to the job itself. If you have to, give a broad range based on research you have conducted on that particular role, in your particular city.
Good answer:
I am more interested in the role itself than the pay. That said, I would expect to be paid the appropriate range for this role, based on my five years of experience. I also think a fair salary would bear in mind the high cost of living here in large cities.
In my last job I earned $35,000, so, now I am looking for $40,000.
If you can avoid it, do not give an exact number. The first person to name a price in a salary negotiation loses. Instead, re-iterate your commitment to the job itself. If you have to, give a broad range based on research you have conducted on that particular role, in your particular city.
Good answer:
I am more interested in the role itself than the pay. That said, I would expect to be paid the appropriate range for this role, based on my five years of experience. I also think a fair salary would bear in mind the high cost of living here in large cities.
6 :: What you should not say while answering this question, why should we hire you?
Bad answer:
I am the best candidate for the role.
A good answer will reiterate your qualifications and will highlight what makes you unique.
Good answer:
I have been a firefighter for the past five years, my boss has said time and time again that without me, the department would not function so well. I have also taken the time to educate myself on some of the non-standard techniques used in first response. I can react quickly in hectic situations, and can handle the responsibilities of a leadership role. What is good enough for most people is never really good enough for me.
I am the best candidate for the role.
A good answer will reiterate your qualifications and will highlight what makes you unique.
Good answer:
I have been a firefighter for the past five years, my boss has said time and time again that without me, the department would not function so well. I have also taken the time to educate myself on some of the non-standard techniques used in first response. I can react quickly in hectic situations, and can handle the responsibilities of a leadership role. What is good enough for most people is never really good enough for me.
7 :: What you should not say while answering this question, why do you want to leave your current job?
Bad answer:
I can not stand my boss or the work I am doing.
Again, stay away from badmouthing your job or employer. Focus on the positive.
Good answer:
I have learned a lot from my current role, but now I am looking for a new challenge, to broaden my horizons and to gain new skill-sets, all of which, I see the potential for in this job.
I can not stand my boss or the work I am doing.
Again, stay away from badmouthing your job or employer. Focus on the positive.
Good answer:
I have learned a lot from my current role, but now I am looking for a new challenge, to broaden my horizons and to gain new skill-sets, all of which, I see the potential for in this job.
8 :: What you should not say while answering this question, what do you think about your previous boss?
Bad answer:
He was completely incompetent and a nightmare to work with, which is why I have moved on
Remember if you get the job, the person interviewing you will some day be your previous boss. The last thing they want is to hire someone who they know is going to badmouth them some day. Instead of trashing your former employer, stay positive, and focus on what you learned from them.
Good answer:
My last boss taught me the importance of time management. He did not pull any punches and was extremely driven. His no-nonsense attitude pushed me to work harder and to meet goals I never even thought were possible.
He was completely incompetent and a nightmare to work with, which is why I have moved on
Remember if you get the job, the person interviewing you will some day be your previous boss. The last thing they want is to hire someone who they know is going to badmouth them some day. Instead of trashing your former employer, stay positive, and focus on what you learned from them.
Good answer:
My last boss taught me the importance of time management. He did not pull any punches and was extremely driven. His no-nonsense attitude pushed me to work harder and to meet goals I never even thought were possible.
9 :: What you should not say while answering, how would you explain your gap of your employment?
Bad answer:
I was so tired of working and I needed a break or I just can not find a job.
Employment gaps are always tough to explain. You do not want to come across as lazy or unhireable. Find a way to make your extended unemployment seem like a choice you made, based on the right reasons.
Good answer:
My work is important to me, so I will not be satisfied with any old job. Instead of rushing to accept the first thing that comes my way, I am taking my time and being selective to make sure my next role is the right one.
I was so tired of working and I needed a break or I just can not find a job.
Employment gaps are always tough to explain. You do not want to come across as lazy or unhireable. Find a way to make your extended unemployment seem like a choice you made, based on the right reasons.
Good answer:
My work is important to me, so I will not be satisfied with any old job. Instead of rushing to accept the first thing that comes my way, I am taking my time and being selective to make sure my next role is the right one.
10 :: What you should not say while answering, what did you not like about your last job?
Bad answer:
A lack of stability. I felt like the place could collapse around me at any time.
Try and stay away from anything that draws on the politics, culture or financial health of your previous employer. No matter how true it might be, comments like these will be construed as too negative. Also, you do not want to focus on a function that might be your responsibility in the next role. So think of something you disliked in your last job, but that you know for sure will not be part of this new role.
Good answer:
There was nothing about my last job that I hated but I guess there were some things I liked less than others. My previous role involved traveling at least twice a month. While I do love to travel, twice a month was a little exhausting, I did not like spending quite so much time out of the department. I am happy to see that this role involves a lot less travel.
A lack of stability. I felt like the place could collapse around me at any time.
Try and stay away from anything that draws on the politics, culture or financial health of your previous employer. No matter how true it might be, comments like these will be construed as too negative. Also, you do not want to focus on a function that might be your responsibility in the next role. So think of something you disliked in your last job, but that you know for sure will not be part of this new role.
Good answer:
There was nothing about my last job that I hated but I guess there were some things I liked less than others. My previous role involved traveling at least twice a month. While I do love to travel, twice a month was a little exhausting, I did not like spending quite so much time out of the department. I am happy to see that this role involves a lot less travel.