Every single finance interview lately hits me with the same dreaded question: “Tell me about a time you failed.” 😑 I swear it feels less like they want insight and more like they’re trying to catch you off guard. I’ve told stories about missed forecasts, messy project handoffs, even a botched Excel model, but I’m never sure what actually lands well. Anyone have a go-to failure story that worked and still got you the offer? Would love to hear examples that don’t sound rehearsed.

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

I used a story about underestimating a project’s complexity and needing to ask for help. Framed it around growth, communication, and learning to delegate. The hiring manager actually thanked me for not trying to sound perfect.

like

Don’t look at it as times of failure, just times where you learned a lesson and navigated successfully out of it. Once you start looking at it like that, I promise it isn’t so hard to answer, and it kind of makes sense to be asked from the perspective of the interviewer.

You’re not using the right examples!

The instant I finish a forecast or budget, I know it’s wrong. Coming to that realization will be your first step!

You need to have examples of how you failed, why you failed, and the steps you took to ensure lower opportunities of failure moving forward

Fumbled a baddie that was out of my league when I was 20. Only realized 5y later she was probably flirting with me.

Taught me to take every CIM seriously

Yep, it's almost as if they want something on you in order to turn you down

Related Posts

Currently staffed on a project near Reading, anyone up for dinner one of these days?

like

Why associate consent is necessary if he/she is got SA project?

like

I'm nearing the end of an interview for process for a job I'm meh on and recently began the process for my dream job. I'm slightly underqualified for the dream job but it's at a startup in a category I'm extremely passionate for. Should I let them know I'm nearing the end at another place?

I'm unemployed so I don't want to lose out on a job but would really like to hold out for the dream job.

like

Hello Everyone,

Can someone please help me in understanding the below profile. Any Tips to prepare for Interview.

Thanks!

Post Photo
like

Client listening to me explain why they can’t have their phone number, physical address, email and fax in their radio ad:

Post Photo
likefunny

I'm 6 months old at D! Planning early promotion next year.. counselor and pm both are backing me.. I need to go to India for at least 4 weeks in Dec ... most probably would be rolling off from current project by then .. would this vacation hurt my promotion chances coz of utilization etc?

like
like

Hi sharks.... How long it takes for Global Logic to come back after Manager round? It's been 1week since I gave interview... No updates so far... GlobalLogic

What’s the average project delivery specialist compensation in GPS like?

like

Best books to give to new young client who genuinely wants to grow and develop his interest & understanding of finance, doesn’t want to be bored, & cares about his investment accounts?

like

Looking for feedback. What are your thoughts on when asked to provide a case study or project plan as a part of the interview process? I know BCD Travel and other start-ups make these kinds of request.

like

Hello fishes, i am set to join Accenture as a Cloud Data Architect . However the Job Profile offered is Data Engineering -AM & job Family Group is Analytics and Insights. The JD shared during the interview says : Project Role Description : Assists with the data platform blueprint and design and Key responsibilities is a. Pre-sales and solution ownership of sales pursuits data analytics related services for cloud b. Own end to end RFP or RFI etc. Does it mean work is on presales only ?

like

Hi. I have just joined PwC India as a Sr. Analyst, from Campus. How many months/years of experience do I need before I can become an Associate?
Now I understand, it pretty much depends on my project and manager(s). Still, any good practices or suggestions to expedite the process?
Thanks a lot.

like

Hi! I interviewed for a Digital Marketing Analyst for an agency for Data Center and Telecom PR/ Tech. Since we are virtual country wide, he asked what my salary requirement would be for this role. I haven’t had this type of position before and am unsure what to say. I want to reach for the stars but don’t want to come across with a scary offer. Can anyone advise or have any salary ranges? No info on Glassdoor for salaries at the company! I will be living near the SF Bay Area.

like

Hello, looking for a project in Atlanta.Please let me know if your projects are ramping up. I worked as a tester, test lead, Project Coordinator, Scrum Master and worked as Jr.AWS Solu Arch

Amazon recruiter reached out and wants to know my general compensation expectations before first interview. Very little info available on role but seeing $150k-$250k total compensation reported. Is this too wide of a range to give them?

like

I currently working as project coordinator (on-site) for 3 months 10hrs everyday with package $75k, I want to move to remote or hybrid work but I only have 8 months of experience from my previous employer and I have completed my master's in construction management in 2021. Should I stay in my role a bit longer to gain experience or I am not able to find remote or hybrid matching my profile. Your advice and comments are much appreciated.

like

So had client call, wrote down all my notes as they spoke. Confirm next day when everything is going to shit and they reply “this is categorically wrong what are you saying”. Contd in comments

like
like

More Posts

Any idea wat would be the payscale for Senior 2 technology consulting in 3EY GDS with 9 YOE?

like

What is the culture like at Amazon in Sales ie all men or is their some diversity? Amazon

like

Any of you auditors have pick up lines? Matched with a hot auditor guy and want to slide in

likefunnyhelpful

Hai Infosys people i have given the interview within 4 months but my joining date is after 3 montha so total 7 will they release offer please suggest

like

Any Female fish want to grab brunch and watch the Masters this weekend

like

Currently working in an IT audit role, what is the best way to transition into cyber ?

like

Why the resource team is wrongly mapping to higher level management role project proposals. Like 4 yr experienced people are being proposed for 10 year experience requirement.
Does anyone else faced this? LTI

likefunny

How do you deal with a manager / junior partner who is always nitpicking and questioning why you did what you did, or telling you what you did is the wrong way to do things? It’s generally prefaced with them only doing this to help you grow, but has the exact opposite effect on me. And then when you try to explain your POV, you’re tagged as being defensive. Generally ends me with saying I’m sorry. No other partners at the firm have ever raised any concerns on my communications or work product.

like

After you are stealth laid off, other than job search, what do you do? I assume they won’t give you work and even if they do, you can politely decline? How do you feel about you are not progressing anymore and seeing other people progressing in their career? I have no intention to make partner, but still feel a bit stuck not doing that much.

like

Any references for good tutoring services for the bar? Repeat taker and want to make sure I pass this time. I’ve already looked at the tutoring that barbri etc offer and I am looking for a person/service which isn’t part of a course. TIA!

like

Is there any information on return to office?

Hello guys what is the role of Java r&d department in bosch

like

Hi All

Received offer from HCL for 19LPA
YOE 7.1
Band E3
Associate Consultant
Domain Network Security

CCTC 14LPA
I asked 20LPA.

Is 19 LPA good package for the E3 band?

like

How long does JPM take to issue offers? Finished my last interview a few days ago and currently waiting rn.

Working on the tech side of the bank, looking to transition into finance (not IB) & came across the IBI course that helps gain skills like modeling etc. Anyone taken the course/know someone who did?

like

If you could rename your firm to make it more representative of said firm, what would it be?

like
like

I have 5 YOE in Analytics... always thought I wanted to be a DS, but every job (even the junior ones) required experience in ML development. Though I am part of the ML project, I'm not the person develop the model. And I have a hard time when the interviewer ask about how I develop the model and what hyperparameters I tuned. I know the thought process and stuff but 'I' wasn't the one who did that part in the project. How to convince them that I could do the job without taking credit of others.

like

I haven’t worn pants in weeks... but no one knows that and that’s what matters.

Post Photo
likefunny

Additional Posts in Jobs in Finance

Advice needed on handing in notice, I recently signed an offer letter and understand the screening process takes 4-6 weeks. I have a month's notice period and have agreed a preliminary start date in Feb.

I was planning on not handing my notice in until the checks had been completed so its all secured (not that I think I will fail any checks), but apparently I need a reference from my current employer not previous ones. Can't really do this without handing in notice can I?

likesmart

Tips for starting new job?! First day+week ? Decided to make a big change and leave my job of 10 years to start a new one! Curious tips for first day you found worked or didn’t work

like

Does anyone here work at Ameriprise financial? If so, would you recommend it? What is the work life balance like? I have an interview for a Advisory trading specialist role. Thanks!

likehelpful

Any advice on transitioning from a Wealth Management Role to something more analytical? Preferably private equity or investment analysis/due diligence. Have about 4 YOE, located in Boston

like

I am starting at a new company early next year and they’ve just invited me to attend their Christmas party. Is it a good idea to go? Or should I wait for a more formal introduction once I start?

like

Hello! I’ve been in Compliance now Dow approx 6 years and want to make myself marketable. Besides a JD what other masters can I obtain?

like

Is there such things as FP&A positions in Big 4? If so, are there better times to make the change than others (I.e. at senior vs manager)? I’m currently in FP&A and looking to work at a Big 4, or another company that offers the ability to move abroad. My current company and many others I know about do not offer the mobility to do so until much later, which is not what I want. Thank you.

like

Graduating with my finance degree in about a year. I took a part-time healthcare position fill my employment gap but most of my previous experience is in manufacturing logistics and customer service. With my background, how do I break into a finance or accounting role? What positions do I apply for? I would like to make at least 45-50k a year min starting if possible.

like

I'm the only employee with a background in finance in a tech startup growing at a 300%+ per year. But it's actually my first finance-related experience (interned and now part-time as I'm in my senior year of undergrad) and don't know really how to have an impact as my knowledge is "limited" and have no technical mentorship.

Any advice/mentorship would be wonderful!

Does anyone work for UBS? What corporate title would a "manager" be? AVP or VP? Or AD?

Currently have Series 24, 7, 63,65

Currently work in a very unique Wealth Management ops role.

Getting paid 85k base with 40k in bonus plus about 35k~ in OT.

Money isn’t everything but in my late 20s it feels like the only thing important right now.

WLB is next to zero as 60hr weeks are the minimum as of late. Management feels like they are trying to push a few of us out. Was told not to expect much come year end for comp. Any suggestions on finding a new role/pay expectations?

like

Is Barclay's a good bank to work for? I'm looking for all feedback - the good, the bad, and the ugly

like

Hi all,

Can anyone share some insights on the Associate managing consultant role at Mastercard? I am curious to understand the culture, the projects and the salary as well.

I can't DM yet as I am new so please feel free to DM me.

like

Hi y’all! I’m a financial educator and my job is to help families in need of financial education! I help anyone on learning how money works here in the US & how to get rid of debt! I offer financial products that help you protect and grow your money. I’d love to help you out in reaching your personal financial needs!
I’m also always looking for people to hire!

like

Happy Halloween! Who says Financial Professionals are not creative? Share what you dressed up as for work today?

like
like

Recently relocated to USA. Looking for a job in Private equity Accounting in California as Fund Accountant Manager. Any leads and also, how much salary should I expect?

What salary should be expected of a business control role in Citadel securities, working under CFO/CRO office in NYC. With total 10+ YOE.
This role sits directly under enterprise risk head.

@citadel

like

How often do you cry at your job? I cry usually one day a week triggered by stress/overwhelm but want to know if this is a typical response

like

Does anyone have an idea or range of salaries for PIMCO? As either an Associate or Senior Associate? i’m looking to transition back to CA from Dallas. I’m currently at goldman.

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal