Tell me about a time you dealt with a failing project
Last updated: July 16, 2025
Quick Overview
Use the STAR method to answer. Be specific about the situation at Zillow, your actions, and measurable outcomes.
Zillow
July 16, 20256
5
3,284 solved
Use the STAR method to answer. Be specific about the situation at Zillow, your actions, and measurable outcomes.
Behavioral questions at Zillow are weighted heavily in the hiring decision. This question appears in the Behavioral Round and is designed to assess your past experiences and how they align with Zillow's leadership principles and culture.
What the Interviewer Expects
- Provide a clear, structured response using the STAR method
- Share a genuine example from your professional experience
- Demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn
- Show how the experience shaped your current approach
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
- How did you measure the success of your actions?
- How did you get buy-in from stakeholders who disagreed?
- What would you do differently if you faced this situation again?
Sharpen Your Skills on Codemia
Practice similar problems with our interactive workspace, get AI feedback, and track your progress.
Browse Behavioral QuestionsSample Answer
What the Interviewer is Really Asking
The interviewer is assessing your ability to handle failure in a project and how you respond to challenges. They want to gauge your leadership qualities, especially in situations where you may not hav...
Strong Answer Structure
- Situation: Describe the failing project, including context and your role. 2. Task: Outline your responsibilities in addressing the failure. 3. Action: Detail the specific actions you to...
Submit Your Answer
