Tell me about a time you caught a mistake before it caused a problem, at work, school or anywhere else.

What the interviewer is looking for

• This question tests attention to detail. Describes double-checking numbers, addresses and documents, and gives examples of catching errors early.
• What to bring out: Gives a specific example, explains how they noticed, how they fixed it and any habit they built to catch similar errors.
• Expect a follow-up like: What checks do you do routinely now because of that?

Another way it may be asked: Think of a time you spotted an error, like a wrong number or address, before it caused trouble. What happened?

A structure to follow: STAR, with the weight on Action and Result

1. Step 1

   Situation

   One or two sentences: where, when and what was at stake. Pick a real example you were close to.

2. Step 2

   Task

   What you personally were responsible for. Say "I", not only "we", so the attention to detail you showed is visible.

3. Step 3

   Action

   The two or three things you did and why you chose them over the alternatives. This should be about half your answer.

4. Step 4

   Result

   What changed, in your own measure of it, and what you would do differently. Only use numbers you can stand behind.

This is guidance on shape, not a script. Use your own real experience and facts; never invent details to fill a gap. See the STAR guide and answer frameworks.

Common slips

• Describing what the team did without saying what you did.
• Choosing an example with no clear outcome, or one you cannot answer detailed questions about.
• Ending on the action and skipping the result and what you learned.

How to practise it

Write two bullet points for each STAR letter, then say the answer aloud in about two minutes.

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