What do you do if you're an executive and make a major mistake during an interview?

1 Own It

If you make a mistake during an interview, the first step is to own it. Acknowledge the error as soon as you realize it; this shows integrity and responsibility. It's important to not brush it off or become defensive. Instead, briefly explain what went wrong and why it happened. This transparency can actually strengthen the interviewer's trust in you, as it demonstrates your honesty and ability to be self-critical—a crucial trait for any executive.

2 Explain It

Once you've owned up to the mistake, provide a clear explanation. This doesn't mean making excuses, but rather giving context to what occurred. Your goal is to help the interviewer understand the situation and see it from your perspective. This can also be an opportunity to discuss how you've learned from past experiences and how you've implemented changes to prevent similar mistakes in the future.

3 Learn From It

Learning from mistakes is a sign of a mature and evolving leader. Use the mistake as a springboard to discuss your growth mindset and how you turn challenges into learning opportunities. Highlight specific steps you've taken to ensure the same error doesn't occur again, and how these measures have improved your leadership skills or business processes. This shows that you're proactive and dedicated to continuous improvement.

4 Pivot It

After addressing the mistake, pivot the conversation back to your strengths and the value you bring as an executive. Redirecting the focus to your achievements and how they align with the company's goals can help mitigate any negative impact from the error. This also demonstrates your ability to stay focused on what matters most—the company's success and how you can contribute to it.

5 Future-Proof It

Discuss how you plan to avoid similar mistakes in the future. This could involve new strategies, tools, or approaches you've adopted since the incident. By demonstrating that you're committed to not repeating the same error, you reassure the interviewer that you're a forward-thinking leader who is always looking to improve. This foresight is invaluable in an executive role, where the ability to anticipate and mitigate risks is key.

6 Solidify It

Finally, solidify the recovery from your mistake by ending on a strong note. Reaffirm your qualifications, restate your enthusiasm for the role, and express confidence in your ability to overcome challenges. This helps to leave the interviewer with a positive impression, despite the earlier misstep. It's a powerful way to demonstrate resilience and the capacity to move forward constructively after a setback.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?