Describe a Strongly Held View That Proved Wrong
Last updated: July 30, 2026
Quick Overview
The candidate is asked to describe a strongly held belief or opinion they had that was later proven to be incorrect. This question aims to assess the candidate's ability to reflect on their experiences and learn from mistakes.
Anthropic
July 30, 2026127
0
1,304 solved
The candidate is asked to describe a strongly held belief or opinion they had that was later proven to be incorrect. This question aims to assess the candidate's ability to reflect on their experiences and learn from mistakes.
This question is often asked during onsite interviews to evaluate a candidate's self-awareness and growth mindset. Interviewers at Anthropic are looking for candidates who can acknowledge their fallibility, learn from experiences, and adapt their thinking. This demonstrates not only technical competence but also the ability to evolve in a rapidly changing environment.
What the Interviewer Expects
- Clearly describe the initial belief and the context in which it was held.
- Explain how the belief was challenged and what evidence led to its reevaluation.
- Discuss the impact of this realization on personal or professional growth.
- Reflect on how this experience influences current decision-making or perspectives.
- Convey a positive attitude towards learning from mistakes.
Key Topics to Cover
How to Approach This
- Use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result.
- Be specific about YOUR actions, not just the team outcome.
- Quantify your impact whenever possible (e.g., "reduced latency by 40%").
- Prepare stories for: conflict, failure, ambiguity, leadership, and technical trade-offs.
- Show growth mindset. Explain what you learned and how you changed your approach.
Possible Follow-up Questions
- What steps did you take to change your perspective?
- How do you ensure that you remain open to new ideas?
- Can you provide another example of a time you learned from a mistake?
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