Admitting a mistake nobody would discover
- Kind
- Personal story
Prompt
Tell me about a time you admitted a mistake that nobody else would ever have discovered. What did it cost you, and would you do it the same way again?
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After you practice: what this question tests and how to approach it
What this question tests
- Self-reflection and growth
- Professionalism and integrity
How to approach this question
This behavioral panel interview question tests integrity when nobody is watching, and whether you can reflect honestly on what owning a mistake cost you. Choose a real mistake with real stakes, where staying silent was a genuine option. Explain briefly what happened, why you decided to speak up, and who you told. Be specific about the cost, such as embarrassment, a lower grade or strain in a relationship, and avoid making yourself the hero. Reflect on whether you'd do it the same way, including what you'd change about how or when you disclosed it. Connect it to why owning mistakes matters in a profession where patients depend on honesty.
More on honesty and disclosure of error
All 9 questions on this topicMock interviews
If you want to practice with a person, we run mock MMI and panel interviews with feedback on every answer.
