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In a nutshell
- Over half (54%) of companies ask candidates to describe specific situations where they demonstrated skills or solved problems
- While 26% of companies probe for achievements, 22% specifically want to hear about failures and mistakes
- The top 5 consulting firms (led by Amazon with 32,070 openings) have over 100,000 current job listings combined
BRATISLAVA, Slovakia — When preparing for your next job interview, you might want to spend as much time reflecting on your failures as your achievements. A new study reveals that while 26% of companies want to hear about your accomplishments, a striking 22% are specifically interested in learning about your mistakes and failures.
Researchers from the resume building website Kickresume analyzed over 250 interview questions from 50 major companies including Apple and Accenture, found that employers are deeply invested in understanding how candidates handle both success and setbacks.
The analysis uncovered several key patterns in what hiring managers prioritize during interviews. While 16% of companies specifically probe for candidates’ “proudest” or “greatest” achievement, an almost equal number (16%) want to know about candidates’ ability to handle deadlines. Another 10% directly inquire about how applicants perform under pressure.
“Companies overwhelmingly wanted to hear about how candidates had acted in a particular situation,” the research shows, with 54% of companies asking candidates to describe specific scenarios where they applied skills or tackled problems.
Personal dynamics in the workplace also emerged as a significant focus area. The study found that 10% of companies ask questions about manager relationships, while an equal percentage inquire about handling difficult colleagues or team conflicts.
Looking toward the future appears to be another crucial element of the interview process. About 16% of companies want to know what candidates would achieve if hired, while 14% ask the classic question about where candidates see themselves in five years.
Company knowledge remains a key factor, with 16% of firms asking candidates about their favorite aspects of the company or its products. At Google, for instance, candidates reported being asked: “What is your favorite Google product? Why? How would you improve it?”
The research uncovered several telling examples of how companies probe candidates’ experiences and attitudes. At Hewlett-Packard, interviewers ask candidates to “Tell us about a time you came up with a solution to a problem and how you executed it.” Square focuses on immediate impact, asking “How long will it take you to begin working on projects and make a meaningful contribution?” Meanwhile, Unilever tests candidates’ reception to feedback with questions like “How would you react if you were given negative feedback from your line manager?”
So which companies have the most opportunities available? According to the survey, Amazon leads with 32,070 job listings on LinkedIn, followed by consulting giants Deloitte (28,966 positions), Accenture (28,759), PwC (25,729), and EY (22,933).
The Kickresume study was conducted on December 16, 2024, sampling between 5 and 10 interview questions from each company, as shared on careers websites from real interview experiences.
Key Takeaways for Job Seekers
- Prepare specific examples of both successes and failures, as 26% of companies want to hear about achievements while 22% specifically ask about setbacks. Focus on how you handled challenges and what you learned.
- Practice answering situational questions, since 54% of companies want candidates to describe specific scenarios where they applied their skills or solved problems.
- Research the company thoroughly before your interview. With 16% of firms asking about their products or culture, be ready to provide thoughtful insights about what interests you about the organization.
- Develop clear examples of how you manage deadlines and pressure, as 26% of companies inquire about these skills combined.
- Be ready to discuss workplace relationships and conflict resolution, as 10% of companies ask about managing difficult colleagues and another 10% probe about relationships with supervisors.
